EDITORIAL

The suspension of the use of the Sam Nujoma and Independence stadiums from hosting international football matches by international governing bodies is Exhibit A in how far down the pecking order sport is in this country.

Authorities have neglected the very foundation upon which our diversity has always defied the odds of division and embraced our oneness as a nation.

This negligent state of affairs is now going to cost the taxpayer more than it would have cost to repair the two stadiums that have always brought Namibians – black, white or khaki – under the unifying banner of nationhood on match day.

The national teams playing their ‘home’ matches on foreign soil diminishes their chances of progressing to continental and global championships, which are usually overflowing with life-changing opportunities such as securing professional contracts. All thanks to government neglect.

This embarrassing phenomenon also means that more public funds have to be thrown at plane tickets for players, technical staff, football officials and medics. Add to this hotel accommodation costs and we will be talking about millions that could have been saved to patch up the collapsing stadiums.

The people in charge have no care in the world. Facilities like the Independence Stadium were inherited by the new government at independence but the liberators ran them into the ground. As matters stand, the stadium is only fit for political events where worshippers flock to tie the shoelaces of their masters.