Zebaldt Ngaruka 

EPUKIRO – The largest sports complex Lagare Stadium in the Omaheke region, has recently been compelled to shut down to allow its surface to recuperate. 

This was confirmed by Frederick Takulu Ueitele, Gobabis Municipality spokesperson, who stated that the closure was essential due to the stadium’s deteriorating condition and declining standards. “The pressure was too much on the field, and its surface needs time to recover. We are left with no other options but to temporarily close it until the end of November, or sooner than that,” he said. He noted that the closure was necessary, as the pitches were overused, citing the sporting activities that took place in Gobabis this year. 

“We had premier league games that involved Young African, Omaheke second division, the Newspaper Cup, Namibian Local Authorities Sports and Recreation Association, Khoab #Khoandawes games and several Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation tournaments,” said the town’s spokesperson.  Ueitele emphasised that all these were too much, and these Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation competitions mostly attract over 20 football teams.

“The pressure on the field is too much, as it is the only biggest sports stadium in the region. We also accommodated regional athletic events at the stadium this year”.  In response to enquiries regarding the impact of the stadium’s closure on sporting activities in the area, he said there is no knowledge of any official   programme currently in place. “There were no reservations made by any league, despite social football tournaments,” he said.  He stated that the municipal council had previously reached an agreement with the local team to conduct training sessions twice a week and once daily. 

However, this agreement was not upheld. “We also found that some youth academies were using the field without municipal consent. Other activities like National Days or commemorative events also took place at the stadium,” he added. 

He revealed that he is apprehensive about the vehicles operating in the field, which are causing significant harm to the irrigation system. “This is very unacceptable behaviour, and that must be stopped. It is very costly to maintain the stadium, and vandalism will not be tolerated,” he cautioned.

Ueitele, who previously played for local club Desert Rollers, stated that the Legare Sports Complex is the sole facility in Gobabis and the broader Omaheke region.

It features adequate soccer pitches. 

He urged the sports ministry to collaborate in enhancing the Legare Complex.

“The other alternatives are for the private sector, particularly sports institutions, to come on board,” he suggested.  The council has confirmed that prominent football club Young African and local team Desert Rollers Sports Club were granted land following their application. “The ball is now in their hands to develop their respective land,” he said. 

He additionally informed this publication that the Gobabis municipality is scheduled to convene shortly to deliberate on the proposal from the sports ministry regarding the enhancement of the stadium.

“We have also received communication from the Namibia Football Association to provide land for a sports field. We are still waiting for them to come back to us,” he shared.  Legare Sports Complex, established in the early 1990s, features two football pitches and two netball courts, while also providing facilities for basketball and volleyball. 

Additionally, the complex includes an area designated for a rugby field and other sporting activities. 

The name ‘Legare’, which translates to middle or central’ in Setwana, reflects its central location among the various suburbs of Gobabis.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com