THE deplorable state of the Oshakati Independence Stadium pitch will soon be something of the past as the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), in conjunction with the Directorate of Sports, plans to install an artificial turf there.
The stadium used to host Namibia Premier League (NPL) football matches, but the condition of the field has deteriorated and cannot accommodate any football games anymore.The stadium was inaugurated during late 2003, and was built over seven years at a cost of N$20 million.NSC Chief Administrator Rusten Mogane told Nampa on enquiry yesterday that a meeting to that effect took place between the Commission and the Directorate of Sport two months ago.’I personally went to assess the condition of the stadium, and it is simply not in a playing condition. It also cannot host any other activities like athletics and social events,’ said Mogane.According to him, the amount of money to do the necessary renovations on the stadium will only be known after the 2011/12 national budget has been tabled.’We also plan to bring the private sector on board to ensure that renovations take place at the earliest possible time,’ he noted.Meanwhile, First National Bank (FNB) Oshakati City Football Club’s acting team manager Tommy Hauwanga welcomed the artificial turf, saying it would be a huge relief for his team and supporters.’My friend, we are really suffering. You know, we have to travel about 10 kilometres to the Uukwangula Stadium to play our league matches,’ said Hauwanga.He added that it is frustrating, because their supporters have to pay double for taxis and entrance fees, thus a large number of them prefer to remain at home.Hauwanga said his players now train on a small, unmarked sandy plot behind the Yellow Star complex at Oshakati. The players are thus affected psychologically, because league matches are played on grass, and they struggle to adapt in terms of ball control when playing on grass. – Nampa
