By Kuvee Kangueehi Oshakati Town has welcomed the Namibian bid for the African Nations Cup 2010. Oshakati is one of the towns which has been earmarked to host the African Nations Cup 2010 if Namibia is successful. The mayor of Oshakati Engebert Atshipara, and his counterpart at Ongwediva, Erastus Uutoni, gave their full backing to the bid after a high-level delegation of the Namibian African Nations Cup Bid Committee visited the town yesterday. The Deputy Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture Pohamba Shifeta accompanied by the Namibia Football Association (NFA) President Petrus Damaseb presented the bid to the two mayors, governors and regional councillors in the region. During his presentation Damaseb called on the political and cultural leaders as well as business personalities to get behind the bid. “The country which shows the biggest commitment will be the winner in the eyes of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).” The national soccer president said the entire country is set to benefit from hosting the biggest football showpiece on the continent but hard work and commitment are needed now to ensure that it happens. He warned that time is against Namibia and that the wheel s must be set in motion. “The CAF inspectors are coming sometime in March or April and we need to be ready, people should have been sensitized.” At the same occasion, Shifeta said the Namibian Cabinet has endorsed the bid and it has become a national issue. The deputy minister said he is optimistic that Namibia can win the bid. “If the selection is fair, I believe that Namibia stands a very good chance to be chosen to host the event.” Shifeta called on all Namibians to give their support and rally behind the noble idea. A member of the Bid Technical Committee Saul Kahuika revealed that Namibia would need between N$80 million and N$90 million to upgrade and build new stadiums. He added that if Namibia wins the bid the country is likely to build artificial stadiums, which are much cheaper. He added that Oshakati together with Swakopmund and Windhoek have been earmarked to host the event. The final and opening games are also likely to be hosted in Windhoek. Most of the delegates to the meeting pledged their support for the bid but encouraged the Bid Committee to look at the performances of the Brave Warriors. Atshipara in particular noted that he does not want Namibia to be a mere host if Namibia is granted the bid.