The senior national teams, the Brave Warriors and Brave Gladiators received a massive boost with the donation of new playing gear by Tim Ekandjo.

The comprehensive kit includes four official match kits for both teams, training gear, step-out attire, a pair of sneakers, and a water bottle for each player. 

Speaking at the press conference, Ekandjo said the idea arose after late secretary general Charles Shiyauya approached him about the inadequate playing gear for the two national teams, and how they were sharing kits. He said after countless meetings, they had reached an agreement to sponsor playing gear for both teams.

“Just to give context, the former SG, may his soul rest in peace, had written a letter to me, explaining that there is a shortage of kits for the national teams. He also explained that the teams are sharing the kits,” he said.

“I think before he reached out, the kit manager, by the name of Oubaas Mokoena, also reached out to me, telling me the same thing. I thought it was a joke, but I believe it’s a given to have a respectful national identity.”

“Once you walk uniformed, people will always identify you, and I think it’s important that we have them kitted out and give them a respectful identity.”

Also speaking at the same event, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) vice president thanked Ekandjo and his team for the donation while urging corporate Namibia to also jump on board and assist them.

“We are a non-profit organisation, and we depend on Fifa and CAF money. Mostly, we don’t make money, but rather depend on donors and sponsorship. This is huge, and I trust that more sponsors will come on board and help us. We are doing this for the sake of the Namibian team.”

Adding his perspective, Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, said the donation shows how Ekandjo and his team are true patrons of Namibian football. He also revealed that he would donate 20 litres worth of paint to ensure that the NFA offices are equally uniformed as the team.

“Our national teams are the symbol of pride for Namibia, and I couldn’t agree more with Ekandjo when you said that the team needs to be uniformed. I want to come here going forward with immense pride. We need to fix the facility, listening to Ekandjo, I have pledged 10 containers of 20 litres of paint,” he said. 

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na