The Municipal Council of Windhoek has approved the sale of Erf 340 to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for N$2.96 million.

The property, situated on Mahatma Gandhi street in Katutura, currently serves as the NFA’s headquarters. 

It will now enable further development of the association’s technical centre into a modern sports facility.

The NFA, which has been leasing the land, applied to purchase it to secure direct financial assistance from the Fédération Internationale de Football Associations (Fifa) for upgrading its facilities to international standards.

Initially, the football governing body requested the land be donated, but the Council decided on a sale, emphasising the importance of maintaining fairness and protecting municipal revenue.

The City explained that donations of land are only considered in exceptional cases, as such practices reduce municipal income and affect the City’s ability to provide essential services and develop additional land for residents.

According to the Council, the sale price was determined based on the official valuation of the
property and in accordance with the City’s Institutional Land Policy, which permits institutional land to be sold at 50% of its market value.

“The decision not only supports the NFA’s long-term plans, but also aligns with the City’s commitment to fair and transparent land management practices,” read a statement from the Council.

Stadium upgrade

In a related development, the Council has also approved the NFA’s proposal to upgrade the Sam Nujoma Stadium to meet international standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fifa.

The facility, which was banned in 2021 from hosting international matches after failing to meet required standards, will undergo major renovations.

While the NFA had initially requested the stadium be donated or leased to them, the Council maintained that the venue remains a vital municipal asset.

Instead, a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement was approved for the structural upgrades, valued at N$19 926 266 (including VAT).

The City has already allocated its share of funds, appointed a contractor (New Success Investment) and officially handed over the site on 2 October this year.

However, the NFA continues to experience financial challenges, prompting the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service to explore possible funding assistance to ensure the project’s completion.

Once completed, the Sam Nujoma Stadium will once again be eligible to host CAF and Fifa-sanctioned matches – a move expected to rejuvenate local football, stimulate the economy through increased sporting events and re-establish Windhoek as a regional hub for major international competitions.

Football fans, however, expressed mixed reactions to the news.

Bonsmara Langwag said, if the renovations do not address the shifting or movement of the stadium, which causes cracks in the structure, then the investment would be wasted. 

“What is the use of new dressing rooms and paint if the facility continues to crack? In conclusion, I don’t think N$20 million is enough to address the cracking nature of that stadium,” he said.

Adolf Shikongo added that the report lacks substance and accountability. 

“While it mentions an upgrade worth nearly N$20 million, it fails to detail how the funds will be used or what specific improvements are planned. Without a cost breakdown, this article offers zero value to the reader,” he said.  

– lmupetami@nepc.com.na