Windhoek, Aug 3 – Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, yesterday evening at fundraising gala diner held for the brave warriors urged the entire nation to rally behind the Namibia Football national team as they fight for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Our Brave Warriors are currently just four matches away from making history. Let us be clear: these will not be easy matches. They will test their resolve, their skill, their character, and their unity. However, with our collective backing, they can overcome any challenge.”
We all understand that the journey to the FIFA World Cup is by no means easy. It demands relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and significant resources.
Therefore, I firmly believe that with close cooperation between the Government, our private sector, the Namibia Football Association, and indeed, the entire Namibian public, this cherished dream can be realized.
We remember the words of wisdom from our Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma: “A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of the society, will always emerge victorious”. Let us continue to be guided by this patriotic call to unity as we rally behind our national teams.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Brave Warriors World Cup Campaign Committee, for this gracious invitation to join you at this important gala dinner. Your dedication to this noble cause, seeing our Brave Warriors performing on the World Stage is truly commendable.
In the same vein, I applaud the president and the entire Executive Council of the Namibia Football Association, for your visionary leadership in establishing this crucial committee. It demonstrates a proactive and strategic approach to ensuring that our national team, the Brave Warriors, receives the necessary support to achieve our collective dream of qualifying to the FIFA World Cup.
Moreover, to the distinguished business community and individuals present here tonight, we appreciate and value your unwavering support, your commitment, and your belief in the potential of our national football team. Your contributions are not merely financial; they are an investment in the spirit of our nation, in the aspirations of our youth, and in the pride that comes with global representation. However, I must press upon our business community to continually support our National teams, it should not only be once-off, but a joint commitment to ensure Namibia excels on all platforms.
Just last week, on 19 July 2025, I had the privilege of launching the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). I am proud to highlight that within this comprehensive blueprint for our nation’s progress, sports development is prominently placed as one of our key development priority areas.
We recognize the transformative power of sport, not just for physical well-being, but for national cohesion, youth empowerment, economic benefit, and projecting Namibia’s image on the global stage.
It is, however, a regrettable fact that for the past five (5) years, Namibians have been starved of the opportunity to watch their beloved national team play on home soil, a direct consequence of inadequate stadium infrastructure.
This challenge has deprived our passionate fans of experiencing the thrill of live international football and other equally exciting sports codes. However, I am pleased that this challenge is explicitly addressed in NDP6. Our responsible sectoral ministries and agencies have been tasked with accelerating the construction of modern, adequate stadiums across the country. This is not merely about laying bricks; it is about restoring national pride and providing our athletes with world-class facilities.
As a result, five (5) Confederation of African Football (CAF) Category three (3) Stadiums are to be constructed in five regions; //Kharas, Erongo, Oshana, Kavango East, and Khomas Region. While CAF Category Two (2) stadiums are to be constructed in all fourteen (14) regions, while each of the 121 Constituencies will have basic sport facilities.
It is absolutely important that our national football team receives all the support they deserve. This is not solely, because football is the biggest sports code in our country that commands the largest following and inspiring countless young Namibians. It is because participation in a FIFA Football World Cup is the ultimate yardstick by which a country’s footballing skill is measured on the international stage. It is the pinnacle of achievement, and it is where Namibia’s, Brave Warriors, belongs.
To the Brave Warriors coaches and players, I wish you all the very best with your preparations. Your dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all. Go forth and make us proud!
Photo: Namibian Presidency
