🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Christian Pulisic and US team prepare for World Cup opener against Paraguay
via The Namibian2 min read
United States star Christian Pulisic stated that the World Cup co-hosts are "ready to battle" as they prepare for their opening match against Paraguay on Friday. The US is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1994, alongside Mexico and Canada. Pulisic emphasized that the squad is "able to compete with anyone" and aims to be a "real force in this tournament." The first game is against Paraguay, the lowest-ranked team in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is from Argentina, warned of Paraguay's "mentality, the competitivity," noting their past victories against Argentina and Brazil in qualification. Pulisic mentioned that Pochettino has helped the US team become more "streetwise." The US is expected to feature Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with Pulisic and PSV Eindhoven's Sergino Dest. The midfield is likely to include Juventus star Weston McKennie, Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Malik Tillman, and Bournemouth anchor Tyler Adams. Pulisic recently ended a five-month goal drought with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 friendly win over Senegal. Paraguay's key players include former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron and midfielder Julio Enciso. Their coach, Gustavo Alfaro, advocates a direct style with aerial attacks. Pulisic called Paraguay a "great team and really good test." Pochettino, who has managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, indicated that only winning the World Cup would constitute success
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Telecom Namibia and Angola’s Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Espacial Nacional GGPEN have signed an agreement in Luanda to test the Angosat-2 satellite. This partnership follows a proof-of-concept phase and involves Telecom Namibia conducting a pilot commercial trial. The trial will evaluate the satellite's technical performance, service capabilities, and commercial viability in real operating conditions. The goal is to work towards a commercial launch of satellite services after the pilot phase concludes. Fimanekeni Petrus, Telecom Namibia board chairperson, stated that this initiative aims to expand connectivity and provide reliable digital services to remote communities. Telecom Namibia believes the satellite service could benefit various sectors, including lodges, tourism, mining, schools, farms, businesses, and rural populations. Angolan infrastructure will support the satellite platform, integrating it with fibre and submarine cable systems. The pilot phase will help Telecom Namibia assess the sustainability of these services before deciding on long-term implementation. The signing ceremony was attended by Angola’s minister of telecommunications, information technologies and social communication, Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, and Namibian minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, along with officials from both organizations.
Namibia's Cabinet has approved two health agreements to address medical supply shortages. Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Wenzel Kavaka announced on Thursday that Cabinet endorsed an agreement with Egypt for pharmaceutical products and medical devices. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the supply and management of these items. Additionally, Cabinet approved an agreement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC for procurement services, supporting the acquisition of health products. These approvals come as Namibia faces shortages of essential medicines, with national stock levels reported at about 60% last month. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had expressed concern over these shortages. The Ministry of Health and Social Services recently announced the arrival and distribution of 37 previously scarce medicines, including treatments for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and epilepsy, received between May 18 and June 4.
Residents affected by floods in Katima Mulilo are facing eviction from temporary relocation camps at the Ngweze Community Hall, despite some claiming their homes were completely destroyed. The Katima Mulilo Town Council had relocated families in March after heavy rains caused flooding and damage. Now that the rainy season has ended, the council is moving residents back, with a deadline of Friday. Alice Sishango, a relocated resident, stated her house was fully damaged and she cannot afford to rebuild, expressing frustration at the council's refusal to grant more time. Another resident, Ngweze Zambwe, also reported having no home to return to and that her request for a temporary tent was denied. She mentioned that officials, including the minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, had previously promised building materials, blankets, and mattresses upon their return, but these have not materialized. Katima Mulilo Town Council chief of fire, disaster and risk management Cornelius Matomola confirmed the evictions, stating that homesteads are now habitable and that the directive to move residents back was received from the regional council in May. He clarified that the council did not promise building materials, but would provide tents for three months to those rebuilding completely damaged homes, as the community hall needs to be rehabilitated for its intended use.