Martin Endjala
Hofni Iipinge, the Deputy Secretary of the Swapo Party for Education, Culture, Arts, and Sport, has issued a strong appeal for the overhaul of the country’s deteriorating sports facilities.
This appeal follows the commendable performance of the Namibian Brave Warriors at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where they reached the Round of 16 before being edged out by Angola, securing N$15 million in tournament earnings.
Iipinge emphasized the need for dedicated funds for sports facilities to be used as allocated, without diversion for other purposes.
He challenged the responsible ministry to complete the refurbishment of existing sports fields within a few months and to initiate plans for the construction of future facilities to meet international standards.
“We have discussed this enough; it is now time for action,” Iipinge stated while stressing the urgency of the situation.
The Deputy Secretary also highlighted the importance of fair remuneration for athletes, recognizing sports as a form of employment that should enable players to support their families and access adequate healthcare.
He pointed out that investing in talented individuals is crucial for the development of sports in Namibia and called for the establishment of sports academies to nurture young talent across all significant sports codes.
“A country without sport is lifeless, and its future is bleak,” Iipinge remarked, advocating for immediate improvements to sports infrastructure within the year. He stressed the benefit of hosting games locally to enhance training and fitness preparation for future competitions.
Iipinge’s vision extends to fostering a culture of sports participation and support among the youth, recognizing that not everyone is academically inclined.
He believes that promoting sports as an extracurricular activity in schools is essential for discovering and nurturing young talent from an early age.
Congratulating the Brave Warriors on their historic AFCON performance and their first win against a favoured nation, Iipinge commended the players for their hard work, and discipline, and for putting Namibia on the map.
He encouraged the team to build on this success and exceed expectations in future tournaments.
Iipinge’s call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role sports play in national development and the importance of providing the necessary infrastructure and support to cultivate talent and celebrate achievements on the international stage.
