Windhoek — Preparations are well on track for Namibia to host the Federation of Africa Sports University (FASU) Games, this month.

According to the President of the hosting body, the Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia (TISAN), Werner Jeffrey, all the logistics are falling into place as TISAN prepares to host African students from December 15-21 2012.

"Since we got the mandate to go ahead and organise the games from FASU, as well as the blessing from our government and other relevant institutions, we have set the wheel in motion and have been working around the clock to ensure everything is in place to host one of Africa's greatest shows," says Jeffrey.

Organisers have so far been receiving entries from various countries, but there were some hiccups with visas, which the organisers have managed to deal with.

"We are in December, a holiday month and there is a lot of travelling and that naturally puts some strain on the line ministry, but we are solving the visa issues for these countries which have already confirmed participation as time goes on. We have in total 17 countries which have indicated their interest in the games," according to Jeffrey.

Namibia's northern neighbour, Angola, were expected to confirm their participation by yesterday, while South Africa will be the only notable absentees.

"South Africa indicated that they don't have money to come down and Angola will be confirming on Wednesday (yesterday) their situation. The idea is to have as many countries as possible to come and showcase what African students have to offer."

Swimming was earlier confirmed as out of this year's games and has now been joined by women's football, while karate will feature at the games as a result of overwhelming interest from FASU members.

Jeffrey also reiterated that the games enjoy the full support of the government and that the organisers are confident they will be a huge success.

"National sports funds have been exhausted by the 2012 Olympics, Paralympics and we also had the CUCSA games and others, but the ministry of sports will be considering other alternatives to ensure that Namibia puts on a great show for African students."