UPDATED ON:
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008
13:22 MECCA TIME, 10:22 GMT
 
NEWS SPORT
Namibia's qualifiers under threat

Many African countries may miss out on home qualifiers before a ball has even been kicked [AFP]

Namibia have claimed they might have to pull out of upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifying matches unless Fifa inspectors pass fit the only available stadium in Windhoek, the nation's capital.

The Independence Stadium was declared unfit to host World Cup games by a Fifa inspection team last year, although the reasons were not made public.
The recently built Sam Nujoma Stadium on the outskirts of the city is having an artificial pitch installed and is out of commission for several months, leaving Namibia facing the prospect of playing their Group Two home matches against Zimbabwe on May 31 and Guinea on June 14 on neutral territory.

 

However Barry Rukaro, Namibia Football Association general secretary, told Reuters his association might not be able to afford the costs of playing at a neutral venue.

"Apart from losing home ground advantage, we are not sure if we can afford to play in a neighbouring country, which is an expensive logistical exercise," Rukaro said.

"We are working with Fifa and the Namibia government to solve the problem but we are not hopeful."

Barry Rukaro,
Namibia FA general secretary
"We are working with Fifa and the Namibia government to solve the problem but we are not hopeful.

Namibia are one of several African countries under similar threat unless last minute improvements of safety and security are made.

Fifa will make a final check of the stadium on May 7, Rukaro confirmed.

Also under threat of losing the right to host upcoming World Cup qualifiers are Benin, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Mali, Sierra Leone and Zambia, as Fifa clamp down on dilapidated facilities across the continent.

McCarthy extends Rovers deal

Meanwhile Benni McCarthy, South Africa striker, has agreed a new three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers, manager Mark Hughes confirmed on Friday.

The 30-year-old, who has scored 11 goals this season, has now committed until the end of the 2010-11 season.

McCarthy, Blackburn's top scorer after joining from Porto last season, had been in negotiations with the club for a number of weeks.

"I think it's actually done now which is good news for us," said Hughes.

McCarthy scored 24 goals in his first season at the club last year.

Although he has not replicated that form this term, often playing a secondary role to new star man Roque Santa Cruz, the South African has remained an important member of the Rovers side.

His new deal will take him beyond the 2010 World Cup, in which he will hope to play a role in his homeland.

Source: Agencies
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