Windhoek
As indicated previously at various platforms, President Hage Geingob yesterday again reemphasised the important role sport can play in society, saying sport can go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between Namibia and her sister countries.
Speaking at the official launch of the 3rd edition of the annual Dr Hage Geingob Cup in Windhoek yesterday, which was also attended by Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tjekero Tweya, Geingob said the competition has the potential to play a much bigger role in the upliftment of society, rather than just being an annual football competition.
Thus, the president urged the competition’s organisers to go the extra mile in ensuring that clubs that are financially well positioned such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates (SA) also share their expertise and resources with Namibian clubs.
“As I always say, sport is a unifier – it promotes friendship between countries and has the potential to strengthen bilateral ties at whatever level. So, South African clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates should also share their technical expertise with our local team or perhaps even support our football development structures since they have much better financial muscle,” said Geingob.
Drawing inspiration from his playing days with Tsumeb-based outfit Etosha Lions FC, today known as Chief Santos FC, Geingob narrated how they as footballers benefited from partnerships with various well-established South African clubs at the time.
“During my playing days with the then Etosha Lions, which is now called Chief Santos, we learned a lot from various South African clubs, since they were more advanced and properly established when compared to us back then. So we partnered with those clubs and even toured almost the whole of South Africa, learning from them and picking up different skills as footballers. So you should also do the same, share expertise.”