After extensive preparation and maintenance, Cricket Namibia has played its first game at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, a venue being primed to co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup. On Sunday morning, 25th of August, Cricket Namibia Board Members joined the men’s team at the ground, padded up, and played the first ball on a field that is set to elevate Namibia on the global stage.
The men’s team, the Richelieu Eagles, held an intersquad game at the ground. Before the match commenced, Cricket Namibia President Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, Vice President Polly Negongo, and Board Member Daneel van der Walt shared a special moment with the team.
Vice President Polly Negongo reflected on the transformation of the venue, saying, “A few years ago, this was just dust, and now there’s grass. If you look back in history, many years ago, people used to play cricket at this venue, and we are so proud to bring the game of cricket back to this venue. This facility is being built for Namibians, so that future generations can come here to play and watch cricket. We want to pass on the legacy and have Namibians take care of this facility with the same drive and passion with which we started.”
Board Member Daneel van der Walt encouraged the Eagles to take ownership of the ground, urging them to train hard, compete hard, and protect both the culture and the ground for generations to come. “Make it yours, guard it, and keep this ground for Namibians and the next generation. We don’t only see this as a High-Performance Center of Excellence for the development of cricket in Namibia but also for Africa. We look forward to hosting international teams and many foreign nations at this ground. This is just the beginning, but it is our responsibility to own it and protect it.”
Cricket Namibia President Dr. Rudie van Vuuren announced that the official opening of the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground is scheduled for October 2025. “There’s been a lot of hard work put into developing this field, and it is the responsibility of every player here to take cricket forward and protect what we have built. As the Board, we are gifting this facility to you. You can be proud—your on-field performances, your achievements at World Cups, and the hard work put in by the coaches over the years have led to the creation of this venue. Enjoy your your game; you are the first players to play at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, making this a memorable event.”
With the groundwork laid and the vision set, this venue is not just a field but a symbol of Namibia’s growing presence on the international cricket stage. The future of Namibian cricket is bright, and this momentous occasion is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup and beyond.
