Sports ministry weighs Botswana trip

Football
The Ministry of Sports has indicated that discussions and plans to have Brave Warriors supported in Botswana are in premature stages.
Jesse Kauraisa
  • 12 Hours Ago
Deputy Minister of Sport Dino Ballotti has revealed that the ministry is in talks with various stakeholders to ensure that fans can travel to support the Brave Warriors during their upcoming matches in Botswana.

This follows the recent announcement that Namibia will host its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier home games in the neighbouring country in September.

“I can share that we are in discussions with various stakeholders to see how best we can all support,” Ballotti said.

Namibia will play Malawi and São Tomé and Príncipe in September as they aim to boost their chances of progressing to the next round.

The matches will be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

The country has previously used South Africa as its home base due to its football stadiums not meeting international accreditation standards. This has often resulted in the Brave Warriors playing in empty stadiums, as fans found it difficult to travel long distances.

There is, however, belief that Botswana’s proximity will make it easier for fans to cross the border and rally behind the team in these two crucial encounters.

Namibia are currently in second place with 12 points after six matches, while Tunisia lead the group with 16 points. Liberia are in third with 10 points, followed by Equatorial Guinea on 7 points. Malawi are in fifth with 6 points, while São Tomé and Príncipe remain bottom with no points.

Namibia Football Association Secretary-General Cassius Moetie also commented on the situation regarding fan attendance.

“Having assessed the costs of playing home games in South Africa, we found that relocating the Brave Warriors’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches to Botswana is not only more affordable, but also closer to home, safe for road transport, and presents a great opportunity to mobilise a minimum of 10 buses to transport Brave Warriors supporters to Francistown to stand firmly behind our team and help secure maximum points,” Moetie said.