City of Windhoek approves upgrade of Sam Nujoma Stadium

The Windhoek City Council has approved proposed plans by the Namibia Football Association to upgrade Sam Nujoma Stadium to meet international standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fifa.

The approval was given during a city council meeting on Monday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the City of Windhoek said the stadium was banned in 2021 from hosting international football matches after it was found not to meet the required standards.

The statement said while the NFA had initially requested that the stadium be donated or leased to it, the council declined, due to the fact that the facility remains a key municipal asset.

The city council approved a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement for the structural upgrades, estimated to cost N$19.9 million.

“The city has already allocated its portion of the funds, appointed a contractor and officially handed over the site on 2 October,” reads the statement.

The statement said the NFA, however, has faced financial challenges, prompting the Ministry of Education, Sport, Youth and National Service to explore possible funding support.

Once completed, the municipality said the upgraded stadium will once again enable Namibia to host CAF and Fifa-sanctioned matches.

The municipality said this will revive national football, boosting local economic activity and reaffirming Windhoek’s status as a hub for major sporting events.

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