By: Peneyambeko Jonas
The new Helao Nafidi Sports Centre is expected to give young people in the area a safer way to spend their time, whilst also developing their sports talent.
The Sports Centre is expected to reduce the costs associated with hosting football matches outside the town.
The centre was officially inaugurated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday.
It provides facilities for football, netball, basketball and volleyball, creating a venue for developing a sport-based economy in Helao Nafidi.
For Eeshoke Chula Chula Football Club, the stadium means home matches can now be played in Helao Nafidi instead of at the Oshakati Stadium.
The club’s management said travelling to Oshakati for home games placed a financial burden on the club through transport and other logistical expenses.
Having a home venue will allow the club to keep those activities close to its supporters and reduce travelling costs.
The construction of the sports centre was not completed without difficulties.
Helao Nafidi management explained that there were challenges along the way but acknowledged the contribution of sponsors and other stakeholders who helped bring the project to completion.
The Peoples Republic of China contributed N$2.5 million towards the project.
Beyond football, the centre has been presented as part of efforts to keep young people involved in constructive activities and away from crime, alcohol and substance abuse.
During the inauguration, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said access to organised sport can influence how young people spend their time and interact with their communities.
“When young people have access to structured sport, positive mentors and safe facilities, we strengthen their physical and mental well-being.
We also reduce their vulnerability to alcohol and substance abuse, crime and other activities that can destroy their future,” she said.
Bishop Petrus Hidulika Hilukilwa made a similar point during the official inauguration ceremony, arguing that young people are better off spending their free time participating in or watching sport than drinking alcohol.
“If young people are gathering at stadiums for social events like football, netball, it’s better than them spending their valuable time drinking alcohol,” Hilukilwa said.
“After God, then sport, but not alcohol,” he added.
The cebmm is also expected to boost economic benefit for the town.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the various sporting competitions, training camps, cultural activities and community gatherings could bring more economic activity to the town.
“A well-managed sporting facility can host competitions, training camps, meetings, cultural activities and community gatherings,” she said.
Such activities can create opportunities for traders, food vendors, transport operators and other businesses serving spectators and participants.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the town council to develop a sustainable management plan and maintain the centre so that it remains available to schools, clubs and the wider community.
She also encouraged Helao Nafidi to use its location near Angola to host cross-border tournaments, training programmes and cultural exchanges.
The President said sport should form part of Namibia’s wider efforts to develop young people, create economic opportunities and strengthen communities.
“Let this centre become a place where talent is discovered, where discipline is learned, where communities are united and where economic opportunity is created,” she said.
The challenge now is to ensure that the centre remains active, affordable and properly maintained so that sport becomes a regular part of community life rather than an occasional activity.
penny@eaglefm.com.na
