The good and bad of the Afcon bid

As much as many of us question Namibia’s capacity to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament, it is important not to turn a blind eye to the positive side of this bid.
The country has received mixed reactions from many of its sport fanatics since the day it was announced we will bid to co-host Afcon alongside Botswana.
There are those that believe it was not the right time for the country to take this step, due to the lack of infrastructure and the state of football in Namibia.
It was shocking, however, when a commentator mocked our country on a South African television programme, and then some of our own citizens supported this gentlemen, who was judging our capacity as a nation.
Many feel we needed to get our house in order first before we can even think of hosting such a tournament.
Namibia’s minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero, is moreover being criticised for the team she selected to represent Namibia during the signing of the bid.
As much as I emphasise with the pain many Namibians feel, I would still not turn my back on my country by not supporting the bid.
I do acknowledge the possibility that this bid could be unsuccessful, but I will still cheer for what Namibia wants and desires.
Yes, we do not have the infrastructure yet, and it was a risk to bid during a time our sport needed a complete overhaul.
I, however, wondered what if this bid could contribute towards the resurrection of sport infrastructure in this country?
I believe that now that we have submitted the bid, Namibia is under pressure to push for the refurbishment of our stadiums.
It is not about a certain individual, but about a country attempting something which we all know has the potential of enhancing the economy.
If this bid fails, I am sure the reasons given will work in our favour, to show what needs to be in place before we think of bidding again next time.
The bid is not about a tribe!
Once again I have observed people throwing tantrums that Namibia will not win the bid as long as a specific tribe is the majority during the submission of the bid.
I found those remarks very disturbing.
I do not think we should judge those who went to Botswana based on their tribal backgrounds. Instead, we have to focus on the important assignment on the ground.
It is sad to hear that after 32 years of independence there are people with the mentality of labelling each other according to tribes, and not in terms of being Namibian.
I believe in togetherness and will therefore not tolerate anything that I see as tribalist.
From my own understanding, no tribe is more important than the other, and we are all equal.
We have to remain loyal to the course of developing the beautiful game, and sport overall, which we all love so much.
Tribalism is a dangerous thing, because it can instigate instability within our football and entire sport fraternity.
This is a Namibia for all, where equal opportunities, regardless of race, tribe and colour, must become a common norm. Our main focus must remain on ensuring that development in all sectors trickles down to all corners and communities of this beautiful country.
Every son and daughter of this soil deserves to hold a high position in office, be it in sport or any other sector.
We have to work towards a common goal, which is to make sure that our sport flourishes.
Let us welcome the bid as Namibians - together.
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