NRU bans football matches at Hage Geingob stadium

• By Michael Uugwanga

FOLLOWING vandalism to the stands during last weekend’s Debmarine Premiership matches, Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) president Petri Theron has informed Confidente that no further football matches will be played at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium.

Owned by the NRU after years of government ownership, the stadium is mainly reserved for rugby matches, as it hosts international and local matches.

Due to the stadium’s capacity, African Stars used the facility against Eeshoke Chula Chula on Saturday before Orlando Pirates played against Eeshoke Chula Chula on Sunday at the same venue.

Stadiums such as Sam Nujoma and Independence are in disrepair and are unfit to hold football matches, while the available stadium, Sports Klub Windhoek (SKW), was deemed too small for the two matches due to the large number of people who attended.

The game between the Stars and Chula Chula drew an estimated 38,000 spectators, while the game between the Pirates and Chula Chula drew more than 3,000, but at the end of the day, it was a dismal weekend for NRU.

African Stars have used the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium as their home ground whenever they play high-profile matches, such as against FC Ongos, whom they played earlier in the season.

Last season, the Stars played against UNAM FC in their first match at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

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