The Minister of Sport, Augusta James Teima has addressed the long-standing issue of the National Stadium and outlined comprehensive plans for sports development in the country.
Minister Teima started by assuring sports lovers that, by the end of this year 2024, the National Stadium would be ready for consumption. She emphasized that the facility would boast the security and safety features, marking a vital milestone in the nation’s sports infrastructure.
Underlining the historical challenges faced by the country, especially in losing matches due to playing home games away, Minister Teima confirmed that Leone Stars would soon resume playing their home matches at the upgraded national stadium. However, Minister didn’t edge her message to the national stadium.
She unveiled broader initiatives aimed at transforming the sports landscape, with a primary focus on establishing mini stadiums across the nation. Teima emphasized that the collaborative efforts involving the Ministry, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and various football stakeholders to create accessible and high-quality pitches for individuals with football talent.
In addition to the physical structure, Minister Teima outlined plans for human capital development, emphasizing the need to enhance the capabilities of both referees and players. Proper training, she dilated that, would contribute to better decision-making on the field and, consequently, reduce the incidence of violence in sports.
Admitting the challenges posed by limited resources and untimely fund disbursement, Minister Teima introduced the Sports Development Fund. This fund, she explained, would play a pivotal role in mobilizing financial support for sporting activities, ensuring timely interventions and meeting the financial obligations of diverse sports disciplines.