Namibia is set to receive a FIFA-standard football field valued at approximately N$9 million, following a sponsorship announcement by the president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and International Olympic Committee member, Mustapha Beraff, during his official visit to the country for the ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly in Windhoek.
In a statement, the NNOC stated that the football field sponsorship is being made through a continental partnership between ANOCA and FIFA and will be implemented at the NNOC OlympAfrica Centre.
“The project forms part of a broader initiative launched through collaboration between ANOCA and FIFA to develop football infrastructure at OlympAfrica Centres across Africa, with the objective of expanding access to sport for young people and strengthening grassroots sport development across the continent.
“Through this partnership, FIFA provides technical expertise and support for the construction of football pitches that meet international standards, while ANOCA works with National Olympic Committees to implement the projects within community-based OlympAfrica Centres. These centres serve as important hubs for sport participation, Olympic values education and youth development programmes,” read the statement.
It further stated that the football field at the OlympAfrica Centre in Omaruru will provide young Namibians with access to modern sporting infrastructure and opportunities to participate in organised sport within their communities.
The NNOC expressed its appreciation for the significance of the president of ANOCA’s visit to Namibia.
“The visit of the ANOCA president is of great value to Namibia and to the development of sport in our country. We are deeply honoured by Beraff’s presence and grateful for the generous sponsorship that will directly benefit young athletes in Namibia,” the NNOC said.
The NNOC also extended its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Namibia for granting Beraff VIP status during his visit, reflecting the importance Namibia places on strengthening its relationship with the leadership of the African Olympic Movement.
During the official opening ceremony of the ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly, Beraff also presented a commemorative trophy to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in recognition of Namibia’s commitment to sport development and its support of the Olympic Movement.
The trophy was received on behalf of the President by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, who officially opened the General Assembly.
“Not so long ago, many of the National Olympic Committees represented here today also gathered in Namibia during the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games. That event provided a valuable opportunity for governments, public authorities and the Olympic Movement to come together, exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation. It clearly demonstrated how collaboration between public institutions and the Olympic family can unlock new opportunities for African athletes and allow African sport to shine on the global stage,” said the minister.
“Sport occupies a special place in the life of our societies. Across Africa, sport inspires young people, strengthens communities and provides pathways for youth to pursue excellence while developing resilience, discipline and leadership,” she added.
“In Namibia, we recognise the important role that sport plays in building a healthy and vibrant nation. Our National Development Plan identifies sport as a key priority within our national development agenda, recognising that sport contributes not only to recreation but also to education, public health, social cohesion and economic opportunity,” said the minister.