Best and worse of 2018

LIMBA MUPETAMI



There were great performances from Namibian athletes and teams in 2018, proving that despite scarce resources, great accolades can be won.

Athletics, football and boxing, as well as rugby and hockey, saw some truly amazing performances this year. Something is brewing in Namibian sport, but we need to continue holding each other accountable for how we develop as a sporting nation.

In no particular order of importance, we unwrap some of the best and not to be repeated moments of the year.

Star performers

Namibia claimed two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Australia through marathoner Helalia Johannes and sensational boxer Jonas Junias.

On top of their many prestigious accolades, Johannes and Junias further went to win the sportsmen and women titles at the annual MTC/NSC Namibia Sports Awards.

Amateur boxer Likius Nande also came to the party, stealing the limelight by scooping the Namibia Sports Star of the Year prize.

Young achiever

Gymnast Carane van Zyl is the ultimate young achiever of the year. She won two gold medals in the trampoline and tumbling categories at the African Youth Games in Algiers and continued to shine at the sports awards.

Young chess player Ottilie Yorokee Hinda also who made history by winning a gold medal at the African Youth Chess Championship.

Not so cool

The shenanigans between Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro and the organisation’s former president Frans Mbidi left a sour taste in the mouths of many football lovers. Expulsions, blame-shifting and finger-pointing were the order of the day - until Fifa had to intervene.

As a result of egos and infighting, the under-20 national side was pulled out of the Cosafa Cup competition for their age group at last minute, with financial constraints being cited. This was a bitter disappointment for the nation and the team, who also missed out on the 2016 finals for the same reason.

The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) and business wing, Namibia Rugby Limited (NRL) should learn from the mistakes of these two comrades and work together in the interest of rugby, and nothing else.

Those to watch

Drikus Coetzee took second place at this year’s Nedbank Desert Dash. Maybe, just maybe, he will surprise everyone with first place next year.

Alex Miller was Namibia's best performer at the World Mountain Bike Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, finishing 28th overall in the junior men's category over the weekend.

Other sportsman to watch is Paulus Ambunda, who holds the IBO super bantamweight title and plans to move to the featherweight division next year, as well as Mike Shonena, the WBO Africa welterweight champion. He has a clean record and is looking for an opportunity to fight for a world title.

Proudest moment

The national rugby team qualified for the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup. It is hoped that the team at least wins a match in Japan, even though they face tough competition from New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Canada in their group.

Difficult to work with

The most difficult person to work with this year: athletics coach Robert Kaxuxuena. Being media unfriendly helps no one. Kaxuxuena for some reason thinks that the progress of the athletes he trains is state secret. Let’s work together to push the agenda of athletes for the better of everyone.

Most outspoken

There is no competition when it comes to this. Namibia Football Players Union (Nafpu) secretary-general Olsen Kahiriri wins hands down. Perhaps he should think about occupying a higher office in the corridors of NFA.

To be missed

Former Black Africa midfielder Eliphas Heita, who died in a car accident in May, as well as former Civics forward, the much travelled and versatile Simeon Uatavi Tjiueza. The world of sport will surely miss them all.

Welcome relieve

The NFA and Skorpion Zinc signed a sponsorship deal which saw the return of the NFA Women Super League, known as the Skorpion Zinc NFA Women Super League.

The first leg of the league is already completed and everyone is looking forward to the second leg.

Almost ugly

August was a turbulent month. Many people are very sensitive about race issues and this was the case when a young black player was dropped from the u-16 girls’ national hockey squad. Social media was ablaze, with many coming on board to share their experiences while taking part in certain sports codes.

Swift action was taken by the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) to put the issue to rest.

Greatest export

This year will not be complete without mentioning the likes of Peter Shalulile. The Namibian striker was behind Highland Parks’ promotion to the Absa premiership in South Africa. He also not only netted goals for his club, but works extremely hard every time he is called up for the national side.

Virgil Vries is also making strides for his club, Kaizer Chiefs, and Brave Gladiators poster-girl Zenatha Coleman, who now plays for Valencia, is turning on the magic for her Spanish club.

Recognition

Ricardo Manetti deserves recognition for the work he has put in with the Brave Warriors. Michael Hamukwaya also continues to improve his skills, in order to help the country’s para-athletes.

MEGA OFFER

MTC branched out last week and took Salute Boxing Academy under their wing. There is sure to be a lot of improvement in the lives of their boxers.

Standard Bank Namibia delivered on their promise and handed over a house to para-athlete Ananias Shikongo to the value of 1 million. The bank also invested N$9 million over three years to sponsor the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup, which will commence at the end of January next year. The top eight clubs of last season will get first bite at the trophy. Now that is a sponsorship worth mentioning!