The Namibia Football Association has announced that the upcoming AFCON qualifying match against Zimbabwe will be played behind closed doors, much to the dismay of Warriors fans. Coach Michael Nees remains hopeful for his team’s adaptation despite missing key players due to injuries, while a return to open attendance is expected for the following leg.
In a recent turn of events, the Namibian Football Association has mandated that their upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Thursday at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, will take place behind closed doors. This decision has left many Warriors fans disappointed, especially those who had already made arrangements to attend the match. The match at Orlando Stadium serves as the first leg, with the return leg set for the following Monday. Although no official reasoning was provided by the Namibia Football Association regarding their request to exclude fans, it has been reported that concerns regarding insufficient resources for stadium security and potential overcrowding influenced this decision. With Namibia currently yet to secure a point in Group J, the team may also be wary of the support that Zimbabwean fans could provide. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the restrictions on attendance, emphasizing that while the upcoming match will proceed without spectators, the return leg will permit fans to attend. Warriors head coach Michael Nees expressed regret over the absence of support from fans, although he remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adjust. He recalled a similar experience when the Warriors played their opening match against Kenya in an almost empty stadium and emphasized that players, including those from Namibia, generally prefer competing in front of an audience. The team has commenced training sessions, although they are contending with injuries to several key players, including Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa, who will miss the match against Namibia.
The decision to host the AFCON qualifying match without fans is significant, as it not only affects the immediate morale of the players but also the fan engagement that is a vital part of football culture. Both Namibia and Zimbabwe face challenges in hosting matches in their countries due to the lack of approved stadiums by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This has led to the necessity of utilizing Orlando Stadium, which is situated in South Africa, for their matches. The concerns about security crowd management amidst the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic add another layer of complexity to the decision-making process of the football associations involved.
In summary, the closure of the upcoming AFCON qualifying match between Namibia and Zimbabwe to fans has generated considerable disappointment among Warriors supporters. The lack of clarity regarding the rationale behind this decision, although connected to security and resource issues, raises questions about the overall fan experience in international matches. Going forward, the coaching staff, particularly Coach Nees, remains focused on ensuring that the team remains resilient despite the absence of their devoted supporters and the challenges posed by player injuries. As the Warriors prepare for the return leg, the return of fans will be welcomed enthusiastically.
Original Source: www.herald.co.zw
