By Carlos Kambaekwa & Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – African Stars chairperson, Sidney Martin, is a furious man. The business mogul is infuriated by the last-minute cancellation notice of the majority of this weekend’s matches in the MTC Premiership.
Tonight’s penultimate and eagerly awaited clash between Stars and FNB Orlando Pirates, including all matches slated for the Sam Nujoma Stadium, as well as the Independence Stadium, have been postponed until further notice.
Attempts to get clarity from the NPL office proved futile, as the workforce’s mobile phones went unanswered. However, a source close to the league confirmed that faulty floodlights at the Sam Nujoma Stadium necessitated the postponement.
However, New Era Sport has learnt, through a letter dated February 2 from the portfolio ministry addressed to the NPL Directorate informing the league about the inevitable changes, that the closure of the stadium (Independence) is to allow for renovation and preparations to go unhindered for the inauguration of President-elect, Dr Hage Geingob, which coincides with the country’s 25th Independence anniversary celebration this year.
A fuming Martin sought an explanation as to why his club was only informed about the change at the eleventh hour. “This is very absurd, clubs incur massive expenses to prepare for matches and marketing, including ticket sales on the computicket system, only to be left at the mercy of these shenanigans.”
All Unam Stadium matches to go ahead as planned
Despite the suspension of all games at both the Sam Nujoma and Independence stadiums, all matches at the Unam Stadium will go ahead as scheduled. In the first match of the day, Black Africa takes on Touch & Go at 13h30, followed by Unam against Benfica at 16h00, both matches will be played tomorrow.
On Sunday, also at the Unam Stadium, Rebels will open the day’s proceedings with a clash against Julinho Sporting at 12h00, with Unam taking on Touch & Go at 14h00 before Black Africa closes the day with a clash against Benfica at 16h00.