From the Sidelines with Corry Ihuhua

NOW that South Africa has won its bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the onus is now on southern African countries to gear themselves up for opportunities arising as the result of the crowning moment of the world’s most popular sport being held in their backyard.

It’s a foregone conclusion that some of those top teams that will take part in the 2010 tournament will want to set up training camps in neighbouring countries to prepare themselves for the finals. Namibia, like the rest of southern Africa, should invest in putting up good soccer facilities which will attract giant footballing nations to set up base here.Namibia presently has only one stadium suitable for hosting a big team – the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.The completion of the Katutura Stadium towards the end of this year will also be a welcome boost.But still, this will not be enough.We need to invest money to upgrade some of the existing facilities and even put up new ones.Zambia, which sees big opportunities arising from South Africa hosting the World Cup, announced on Monday that it will build three modern stadiums.President Levy Mwanawasa said “it is very likely that some teams will consider camping (training) in Zambia”.The three stadiums will be built in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone, following a decision taken by cabinet.The Independence Stadium in Oshakati has added some value in that part of the country, while several others in other towns will also be of great benefit if they are upgraded.South Africa has indeed done Africa proud and it is important that neighbouring countries make sure that they have the best of facilities in place.The chances of the Brave Warriors qualifying for this continental event will also be good as the football authorities are building a new team.It will be a big plus for Namibia to at least go to the first round of the competition and this can enable us to play friendly matches with other top footballing nations ahead of the event.Even if the Brave Warriors do not qualify for the World Cup in 2010, they will have a chance to play international friendlies against some of the top soccer playing nations warming up for the finals.The World Cup will also make it easier for Namibians to travel to South Africa to watch the matches and get the opportunity to see the world’s top players in action.Economic benefits of South Africa hosting the World Cup will undoubtedly trickle down to Namibia.Namibia, like the rest of southern Africa, should invest in putting up good soccer facilities which will attract giant footballing nations to set up base here.Namibia presently has only one stadium suitable for hosting a big team – the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.The completion of the Katutura Stadium towards the end of this year will also be a welcome boost.But still, this will not be enough.We need to invest money to upgrade some of the existing facilities and even put up new ones.Zambia, which sees big opportunities arising from South Africa hosting the World Cup, announced on Monday that it will build three modern stadiums.President Levy Mwanawasa said “it is very likely that some teams will consider camping (training) in Zambia”.The three stadiums will be built in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone, following a decision taken by cabinet.The Independence Stadium in Oshakati has added some value in that part of the country, while several others in other towns will also be of great benefit if they are upgraded.South Africa has indeed done Africa proud and it is important that neighbouring countries make sure that they have the best of facilities in place.The chances of the Brave Warriors qualifying for this continental event will also be good as the football authorities are building a new team.It will be a big plus for Namibia to at least go to the first round of the competition and this can enable us to play friendly matches with other top footballing nations ahead of the event.Even if the Brave Warriors do not qualify for the World Cup in 2010, they will have a chance to play international friendlies against some of the top soccer playing nations warming up for the finals.The World Cup will also make it easier for Namibians to travel to South Africa to watch the matches and get the opportunity to see the world’s top players in action.Economic benefits of South Africa hosting the World Cup will undoubtedly trickle down to Namibia.