THE British high commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, on Tuesday hosted a reception for Namibia, Scotland and Nepal’s national cricket teams, which are currently competing in the Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Nations Series in Windhoek.
At the occasion, Namibia’s sport minister, Agnes Tjongarero, congratulated Cricket Namibia on the strides they made on the international stage.
“I’m proud of Cricket Namibia as they have worked tirelessly towards their goal of placing Namibia on the world map with every chance they get, be it through hosting or taking part in international or domestic tournaments,” she said.
“The International Cricket Council recently announced Namibia’s co-hosting of the u-19 Men’s World Cup in 2026 and the International Cricket Council Men’s World Cup in 2027. This announcement is welcomed as it comes at a crucial time when Namibia is also bidding to co-host the Afcon 2027 with its co-host, the Republic of Botswana. The hosting of these events will not only have a massive economic impact, but it will create employment for hundreds of unemployed individuals,” she said.
Tjongarero called on Cricket Namibia and its president, Dr Rudi van Vuuren, to employ Namibians where possible when the time comes.
“I humbly request that when the time comes, employment of locals be considered unless their expertise have failed you and international contractors are to be contracted. This will assist families and is a step in the right direction and hope of bridging the gap – every penny counts and I believe every Namibian, given the opportunity–will be greatly appreciative towards the chance given.”
Tjongarero also called on Namibian sport in general to assist in the fight against poverty.
“It’s time for sport in Namibia to ask the billion dollar question–how can we help to ensure that every child has a meal before they go to sleep. Sport men and women – it’s time to plough back to the nation, it starts with all of us, wherever we are – let us work together and assist the government as we try and tackle the issue of unemployment in the country,” she said.
