Zebaldt Ngaruka
The chairperson of Gobabis-based premier league club Young African, Maleagi Ngarizemo, said the club is busy developing the land given to them by the Gobabis Municipality.
The land, measuring six hectares, is located behind the Nossobville Cemetery and was given to the team in April this year for free.
Ngarizemo said work has already started, as per the norms of those types of allocation.
“We have hired surveyors who are all busy with the layout, sub-divisions, advertisements, and all rezoning. These are the first things that must be done on the site before we can do any other thing on it,” he said.
The chairperson added that the team must also make some payment once everything is done and approved by the respective departments.
Apart from the football field, the team would like to build players’ accommodation, office complex, and entertainment areas for the fans.
“A lot will be happening there, and we hope to host our league matches here in the future. But all these will depend on the funding that we might get,” Ngarizemo said.
The team is already looking for funds both in the country and abroad.
He said he is disappointed that the vast region that was once known as a sport and culture hub, seems to have slowed down.
“We had many national players in football and athletics, and that is something that had died a natural death. Our regional leaders must act and see how they will revive the region’s best memories,” he said.
The club chairman emphasised that all stakeholders must come together and push for another stadium in the region rather than relying on Legare.
He mentioned constituencies like Otjinene and Aminuis which are currently ideal for another big sport venue due to the good road network.
“We need to have public swimming pools, playgrounds, and parks in town. These things are needed and attract tourists and hope our leaders have them in their plans to make Gobabis an economic hub,” he said.
Despite the land provided by the municipality, the team also appreciates the discount it got when using the Legare Stadium for their premier league games.
“We are very much thankful for the good gesture and relationship between us, and we have the municipality’s logo on our attires,” he said.
The Omaheke Regional Council has been responsible for the team’s transportation, while Headspring Investment (Pty) Ltd has been bolstering the operations since last season’s second round.
Ngarizemo also complimented Ejuva One and Two (Pty) Ltd for sponsoring Young African with tracksuits and a gazebo.