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Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - Web posted at 9:05:48 GMT Govt comes to rescue of rugby squad CORRY IHUHUATHE Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) is to receive a N$500 000 bail-out from Government to help fund the national team's World Cup campaign. |
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Although NRU President Dirk Conradie yesterday refused to say how much Government had agreed to give to the union, well-placed sources said a figure of half a million dollars had been agreed. The money will be channelled through the Namibian Sport Commission (NSC). The NRU was facing a N$1,3 million deficit in the run-up to the tournament, which kicks off in Australia next month. The lack of money meant Namibia's players faced the prospect of not being paid for representing their country at the Cup. Agreement on the funding came after a meeting between NSC officials and the NRU in Windhoek yesterday. It is unclear how the NRU will raise the remaining N$800 000 needed for the World Cup trip. Conradie would only say that there had been a "positive" outcome at the meeting with the NSC. He said the union would disclose full details at a press briefing today. The money from the NSC will cover players' fees, clothing, insurance and medical costs for the touring group of 42, including officials. It is understood that the NRU will be required to repay the money after the World Cup when they are to receive 70 000 pounds (N$800 000) from the International Rugby Board (IRB) for participating in the global showpiece. Sponsors who had been in negotiations to back the rugby squad apparently got cold feet at the last minute. Conradie last week blasted a local bank, who he declined to name, and MTC, for pulling out, saying the companies were supposed to form a funding consortium with the union. MTC's Brand Manager, Felicitas Kakoro, yesterday acknowledged the company was involved in such talks, but said she could not comment on the matter as it was "too sensitive". The Namibian side is in Group A with Argentina, Ireland, Romania and defending champions Australia. They play their opening match against Argentina on October 14. |
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