NFA Can Do It
I WOULD like to start by thanking the NBC [Namibian Broadcasting Corporation] for preserving old sport footage and broadcasting it through the programme Classic Sport.
The programme is very useful in many respects as it also presents us with the opportunity to look back to where we come from and to map the way ahead. When one watches Classic Sport’s footage particularly soccer matches of the stars of yesteryear it becomes evident that Namibians were very passionate about football, because the stadiums were full to capacity.
Nowadays, however, stadiums remain empty even when national teams play at home. On 12 January 2013, I had a privilege to watch the friendly match of the former stars, Russian Eleven, and Dream Team at the Katutura Youth Complex. The pavilion was full with a jubilant crowd and a considerable number of people were watching the game from the ground. There was a record attendance for this social match played by two teams that are not even in the premier league. The organisers attribute this high turnout to three things. Firstly, the fact it was free of charge, secondly sufficient effective marketing and thirdly the provision of entertainment for the people.
Thus, if the organisers of Russian Eleven can do it then NPL teams and NFA can also do it and thereby finding an effective cure for the disease of empty stadiums. For some crucial national team matches NFA should bring the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the municipality (Bus service) on board to transport the supporters to the stadium and entrance should be free for students and pensioners. The National Youth Council can also assist in mobilising the youth to stadiums. Moreover, NFA should also seriously reconsider taking national team matches outside Windhoek, e.g to towns like Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay or Oshakati. Thus, by applying these approaches in combination with other creative initiatives will help empty the shebeens and fill the stadiums just like in the good old days. By the way, our population size has increased from 1.4 million in 1991 to the current 2.4 million, thus, this increase should also be visible at stadiums. NFA can do it.
Rodney Seibeb
Windhoek