WINDHOEK – The Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Jerry Ekandjo, is convinced the 9th edition of the biannual TN Mobile CAF African Women’s Championship has the potential to transform Namibia in many ways as, according to him, it will bring the African football fraternity together.
Ekandjo delivered the keynote address during a special press conference in Windhoek yesterday where he applauded the world’s football governing body FIFA for the introduction of the “Fair Play” philosophy, under which all football matches are played nowadays.
“The legacy that an event of this magnitude will leave behind will be worth more than the millions of dollars invested by the government and other stakeholders to host an event of this greatness.”
The 9th edition of the gathering kicks off in Windhoek on Saturday with the opening ceremony at the revamped Sam Nujoma Stadium, when hosts Namibia also confront Zambia in the opening match.
“As you aware, there are only three spots up for grabs for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, so Namibia has home ground advantage which could guarantee them qualification (loud applause from the audience) so it’s now up to Nigeria and the rest of the remaining seven teams to fight for the available two places,” Ekandjo continued.
The former Blue Waters fast as lightning forward urged all patriotic Namibians to flock to the stadiums en masse and support the Golden Brave Gladiators.
“I would like to take this opportunity to urge fellow politicians to come out in numbers and witness the finest female footballers from the African continent in action.”
The Namibian lawmaker also expressed satisfaction with the flawless arrangements and logistics preceding the continental showpiece, urging all organs of the LOC to burn the midnight oil to ensure that stadia and all other relevant logistics are in apple pie order. Ekandjo expressed the desire that guests are well received and properly looked after.
At the same occasion, the director of sports Dr Vetumbuavi Veii appealed to the local media to play its part in promoting the historic event. “It’s a well known fact that athletes want to compete in front of large crowds to spur them on to greater heights.
“We need to pack the stadiums to the rafters if we are to leave a long-lasting impression on this tournament but this can only be achieved if you the journalists play a significant role by vigorously informing the people out there.”
The chairperson of the National Sports Commission Vivienne Katjiuongua echoed Veii’s sentiments and called on the Namibian fraternity to put their shoulder to the wheel and support the noble idea.