City needs N$60 Million to revamp Sam Nujoma Stadium

Sam Nujoma Stadium renovation begins as Windhoek aims for FIFA and CAF standards
Eliot Ipinge
  • 3 Days Ago 03 October 2025
The City of Windhoek says it will require about N$60 million to fully refurbish the Sam Nujoma Stadium to meet FIFA and CAF standards, even as Phase 1 of the renovations, a N$13 million structural upgrade, officially got underway on Thursday.

The handover ceremony marked the start of work by New Success Investments, the contractor selected through an open national bidding process, who will carry out the first phase of renovations over the next year.

Structural Upgrades Underway

City of Windhoek Manager for Parks, Sport, Recreation and Cemeteries, Uaka Kazombiaze, said Phase 1 focuses on structural refurbishment following a FIFA and CAF inspection that led to the stadium’s closure.

“These structural renovations are in line with the CAF and FIFA inspection report,” Kazombiaze said. “However, after this phase the stadium will still not be ready for use, because several cosmetic but critical upgrades remain.”

These include replacing the artificial turf, upgrading floodlights for international broadcasting standards, installing a generator and reliable power supply, and modernising media booths, club rooms, referee rooms, and medical facilities.

“Only after completing all upgrades and undergoing a fresh inspection by FIFA and CAF will the stadium be cleared for matches,” Kazombiaze added, stressing that the total cost could reach N$60 million.

Funding for Cosmetic Upgrades

Kazombiaze confirmed that discussions with external stakeholders to fund the remaining cosmetic upgrades are at an advanced stage. “While the structural refurbishment is being stabilised, we are in the process with external stakeholders to commit funding for all those cosmetic changes,” he said.

“By the time the structural refurbishment is done, the cosmetic upgrades may run concurrently if the external stakeholders provide the funds. We will share more information once the agreements are signed,” he added.

Maintenance Plan: Stadium Reserved for Matches

To preserve the artificial turf and extend its lifespan, the City plans to reserve the stadium exclusively for official matches. “No other recreational activities will take place because of the sensitivity and cost of the turf,” Kazombiaze said. He encouraged other field owners to enter long-term agreements with clubs for training, ensuring Sam Nujoma Stadium is used solely for matches.

Contractor and Procurement Details

City Engineer for Infrastructure, Water and Technical Services, Puumue Kasuta, said the contractor had submitted a detailed work programme with penalty clauses to enforce deadlines.

“Most precast elements on the grandstand and elsewhere have shifted out of place. The contractor will move them back, bolt them properly, and carry out other minor structural works based on a structural integrity report,” Kasuta said.

Kasuta reassured the public that the City will closely monitor progress. “Please have confidence in us. We are going to do our very best to ensure that this project is completed,” he said.

NFA Supports the Project

Interim General Secretary of the Namibia Football Association, Cassius Moetie, said the NFA is fully aligned with the City on bringing the stadium up to international standards.

“We are an equal stakeholder in football, particularly regarding the stadium renovations and upgrades, so we can host international matches,” Moetie said. “We are knocking on doors for support to ensure the NFA discharges its legal mandate to control and manage football in the country, from development to national representation. We are happy with the support the government has granted the NFA so far and will continue working with the City to achieve these objectives.”

Funding Challenges

Kazombiaze acknowledged that the City is funding Phase 1 entirely from its own budget, with no capital support from the line ministry. “We will reach out to external stakeholders to help cover the remaining upgrades so the stadium can finally be fully functional,” he said.

The Sam Nujoma Stadium has been closed for several years, leaving Namibia without a FIFA-compliant venue for top-level football, and the City says completing the refurbishment is critical for both national teams and local clubs.