Kunamuene in Gabon

Kunamuene in GabonNFA official coordinates Afcon NFA president Frans Mbidi has confirmed that there is a Namibian representing the country as a coordinator at the 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament. The Namibia Football Association's head of competitions, Titus Kunamuene, has been selected as one of the venue coordinators at the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The Namibian left for Gabon last week to coordinate events at the prestigious African tournament.

NFA president Frans Mbidi said Kunamuene's involvement at the competition would benefit Namibia as far as hosting events of such magnitude in the future is concerned.

Speaking in an interview yesterday Mbidi said: “We are proud to announce that one of our own has been given a huge task at the competition.

“This is something very positive for the country given that Kunamuene will gain so much experience from coordinating a venue.”

Mbidi felt that Kunamuene would prove his worth to African football.

Mbidi also said that Kunamuene's departure to Gabon was a sign that Namibia was being recognised as an important country on the global stage.

“We are sure that he will be updating us from Gabon as to whatever is happening at the tournament,” Mbidi said.

Kunamuene's group will host the Group D first-round matches, featuring Ghana, Egypt, Mali and Uganda.

Mbidi also revealed that he had turned down an offer from Cosafa for him to be present at the tournament in the early stages.

The Cosafa vice-president said he could not go at the moment because of the financial situation in Namibian football.

“I will perhaps just go to the final of the competition once everything at home is sorted.

“It would have been important if our national team coach Ricardo Mannetti had travelled to Gabon, but that is extremely difficult because of the financial situation.

“However, there is nothing much to worry about given that we at least have someone representing the Land of the Brave at the tournament.”

The 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations will see 16 teams challenging each other for Africa's greatest football trophy.

Gabon will open the competition on Saturday with a game against Guinea-Bissau, while 2015 champions Ivory Coast begin their assignment against Togo.

The tournament will be played in four cities with each offering one venue for the games. Stade de l'Amitié [in Libreville], Stade de Franceville [in Franceville], Stade d'Oyem [in Oyem] and Stade de Port-Gentil in Port-Gentil will host the matches.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA