Sporting highlights of the year
The year 2019 has produced some top performances by Namibian athletes. It was surely a great year for runners, particularly Helalia Johannes, who surpassed all expectations this year by winning medals in every competition she took part in.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Sport is gaining popularity in Namibia. However, although we are a small nation, there are still more triumphs expected to come out of the country. But for this year, here are some of the best and the not-so-great moments in sport.
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Top stars
Marathon runner Helalia Johannes took the sports achiever of the year and the sportswoman of the year awards at the Namibia Sports Awards. Johannes scooped bronze at the IAAF World Championship in Doha. She also won the Two Oceans Half Marathon, and dominated the Spar Women's Challenge. The long-distance runner is eyeing yet another medal at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games in July next year.
YOUNG ACHIEVERS
Local archer Quinn Reddig's exploits this year at the Africa Games in Morocco earned her the junior sportswoman and Nored People's Choice prizes. The athlete has been very consistent as she always raises the bar when competing.
Another youthful athlete, swimmer Jose Canjulo, has also made strides this year. Canjulo won seven gold medals, broke four national age group records and was named the junior victor ludorum at the CANA Zone 5 Championships. He also won four gold and five silver medals at the South African Junior Championships, setting another four Namibian age group records. He has also achieved two Junior World Championships qualifying times in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley.
The young swimmer is eyeing the 2022 Youth Olympic Games and also wants to compete at the Junior World Championships in 2021.
TO BE IMPROVED
The sport budget allocation needs a complete overhaul. Athletes shouldn't be begging for money. In fact, the government should be eager to pump more money into sport. Athletes, particularly those who collect medals like the para-athletes, struggle to prepare for competitions because there is simply not enough money.
Also, corporates should back potential star athletes. There are so many looking for endorsements to push them further.
RECOGNITION
The work of former veteran sports reporter Carlos Kambaekwa will never go unnoticed. If ever there was a walking sports encyclopaedia, it is our very own Kambaekwa. Others who have contributed to sports over the years include Jason Petrus, Elifas Shivute, Bravo Mufeti and Carol Garoes Vetumbuayi.
In addition, Helalia Johannes's coach Robert Kaxuxuena should also be applauded and recognised for his hard work over the years. Kaxuxuena has groomed great athletes over the years and is also busy developing upcoming marathoners.
TO WATCH
Local boxer and WBO Global Jr Lightweight champion Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila. If anything, the boxer keeps getting better with time. He is on a quest to fight for a world title and has a record of 20 fights with one loss.
We also want to see what undefeated WBO Africa welterweight champion Mike Shonena can do next year. This boxer is remarkable, but has not been tested yet. Another boxer who has a lot to prove moving in the new year is unbeaten WBO Africa featherweight boxer Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas from AC Boxing Academy .
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT
Namibia's senior women's netball team, the Desert Jewels, won the 2019 M1 Nations Cup with a 49-42 win over Singapore in the final. It was Namibia's maiden title in the competition after making its return in the cup for the first time since 2013, which was the last time they competed.
We should also mention Deon Hotto, who made history by becoming the first Namibian footballer ever to be named the Kick-off footballer of the season. Hotto beat the likes of Hlompho Kekana of PSL reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates, Lebohang Maboe of Mamelodi Sundowns, Jabu Maluleke of Polokwane City, Gift Motupa of Bidvest Wits, Mwape Musonda of Black Leopards and Highlands Park's Mothobi Mvala to claim the award. Hotto played a key role down the left flank for the Clever Boys.
PROUDEST MOMENT
Qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was one of Namibia's proudest moments; also when the national rugby team played impressively at the Rugby World Cup in Japan against the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and Italy.
BEST DEVELOPMENT
The Basketball Artist School (BAS) is doing exceptionally when it comes to promoting the code.
AWKWARD SITUATION OF THE YEAR
The strife between Namibia Premier League chairperson Patrick Kauta and Fifa Normalisation Committee chair Hilda Basson-Namundjebo. Court cases, back and forth letters, confusion, football lovers picking camps; we want to forget this ever happened and hope the league can resume at last.
In rugby, Namibia Rugby Limited and Namibia Rugby Union were at loggerheads about who should run rugby affairs in the country; however, it seems like the dust has settled on that front.
WORST ADMIN
The Namibia Premier League's Andre Gariseb is one of the difficult public relations officers to work with. He doesn't respond to queries on time and goes around in circles with the media about petty issues. It's not understood how his attitude helps the entity he works for.
WELCOME RELIEF
MTC took Oshana Region-based boxing stable Kilimanjaro Boxing Club under its wings this year. Kilimanjaro Boxing Club joined the likes of MTC Sunshine Promotions and Salute Boxing Academy, who are both sponsored by MTC. Kilimanjaro Boxing Club signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth N$1.3 million and will receive an annual grant of N$400 000 for its activities.
GREAT MOVES
Brave Warriors midfielder and former AC Kajaani player Willy 'Awillo' Stephanus, Teberius Lombard and Petrus Shitembi moved to the Zambian league. Most African players are now flocking to Zambia, as it is fast becoming the preferred destination for most.
Zambia is on the rise to dislodge South Africa as the most lucrative country to play in. The Zambian Premier League is also exclusively broadcast by SuperSport, which exposes the players to more opportunities.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR
Volleyball for All which takes place in February is usually a jolly affair that many look forward to. As well as The Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic Race. Also, one for the bucket list next year is the Nedbank Desert Dash: This epic race through the desert gets better and better with many young and old cyclists taking up the challenge of finishing the excruciating 24-hour race. These are just a few.
That's it from us here at SportsWrap. Make sure you share sporting events, activities and put us in contact with athletes we cannot reach. Goodbye till 2020.
[email protected]
Sport is gaining popularity in Namibia. However, although we are a small nation, there are still more triumphs expected to come out of the country. But for this year, here are some of the best and the not-so-great moments in sport.
[email protected]
Top stars
Marathon runner Helalia Johannes took the sports achiever of the year and the sportswoman of the year awards at the Namibia Sports Awards. Johannes scooped bronze at the IAAF World Championship in Doha. She also won the Two Oceans Half Marathon, and dominated the Spar Women's Challenge. The long-distance runner is eyeing yet another medal at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games in July next year.
YOUNG ACHIEVERS
Local archer Quinn Reddig's exploits this year at the Africa Games in Morocco earned her the junior sportswoman and Nored People's Choice prizes. The athlete has been very consistent as she always raises the bar when competing.
Another youthful athlete, swimmer Jose Canjulo, has also made strides this year. Canjulo won seven gold medals, broke four national age group records and was named the junior victor ludorum at the CANA Zone 5 Championships. He also won four gold and five silver medals at the South African Junior Championships, setting another four Namibian age group records. He has also achieved two Junior World Championships qualifying times in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley.
The young swimmer is eyeing the 2022 Youth Olympic Games and also wants to compete at the Junior World Championships in 2021.
TO BE IMPROVED
The sport budget allocation needs a complete overhaul. Athletes shouldn't be begging for money. In fact, the government should be eager to pump more money into sport. Athletes, particularly those who collect medals like the para-athletes, struggle to prepare for competitions because there is simply not enough money.
Also, corporates should back potential star athletes. There are so many looking for endorsements to push them further.
RECOGNITION
The work of former veteran sports reporter Carlos Kambaekwa will never go unnoticed. If ever there was a walking sports encyclopaedia, it is our very own Kambaekwa. Others who have contributed to sports over the years include Jason Petrus, Elifas Shivute, Bravo Mufeti and Carol Garoes Vetumbuayi.
In addition, Helalia Johannes's coach Robert Kaxuxuena should also be applauded and recognised for his hard work over the years. Kaxuxuena has groomed great athletes over the years and is also busy developing upcoming marathoners.
TO WATCH
Local boxer and WBO Global Jr Lightweight champion Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila. If anything, the boxer keeps getting better with time. He is on a quest to fight for a world title and has a record of 20 fights with one loss.
We also want to see what undefeated WBO Africa welterweight champion Mike Shonena can do next year. This boxer is remarkable, but has not been tested yet. Another boxer who has a lot to prove moving in the new year is unbeaten WBO Africa featherweight boxer Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas from AC Boxing Academy .
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT
Namibia's senior women's netball team, the Desert Jewels, won the 2019 M1 Nations Cup with a 49-42 win over Singapore in the final. It was Namibia's maiden title in the competition after making its return in the cup for the first time since 2013, which was the last time they competed.
We should also mention Deon Hotto, who made history by becoming the first Namibian footballer ever to be named the Kick-off footballer of the season. Hotto beat the likes of Hlompho Kekana of PSL reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates, Lebohang Maboe of Mamelodi Sundowns, Jabu Maluleke of Polokwane City, Gift Motupa of Bidvest Wits, Mwape Musonda of Black Leopards and Highlands Park's Mothobi Mvala to claim the award. Hotto played a key role down the left flank for the Clever Boys.
PROUDEST MOMENT
Qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was one of Namibia's proudest moments; also when the national rugby team played impressively at the Rugby World Cup in Japan against the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and Italy.
BEST DEVELOPMENT
The Basketball Artist School (BAS) is doing exceptionally when it comes to promoting the code.
AWKWARD SITUATION OF THE YEAR
The strife between Namibia Premier League chairperson Patrick Kauta and Fifa Normalisation Committee chair Hilda Basson-Namundjebo. Court cases, back and forth letters, confusion, football lovers picking camps; we want to forget this ever happened and hope the league can resume at last.
In rugby, Namibia Rugby Limited and Namibia Rugby Union were at loggerheads about who should run rugby affairs in the country; however, it seems like the dust has settled on that front.
WORST ADMIN
The Namibia Premier League's Andre Gariseb is one of the difficult public relations officers to work with. He doesn't respond to queries on time and goes around in circles with the media about petty issues. It's not understood how his attitude helps the entity he works for.
WELCOME RELIEF
MTC took Oshana Region-based boxing stable Kilimanjaro Boxing Club under its wings this year. Kilimanjaro Boxing Club joined the likes of MTC Sunshine Promotions and Salute Boxing Academy, who are both sponsored by MTC. Kilimanjaro Boxing Club signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth N$1.3 million and will receive an annual grant of N$400 000 for its activities.
GREAT MOVES
Brave Warriors midfielder and former AC Kajaani player Willy 'Awillo' Stephanus, Teberius Lombard and Petrus Shitembi moved to the Zambian league. Most African players are now flocking to Zambia, as it is fast becoming the preferred destination for most.
Zambia is on the rise to dislodge South Africa as the most lucrative country to play in. The Zambian Premier League is also exclusively broadcast by SuperSport, which exposes the players to more opportunities.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR
Volleyball for All which takes place in February is usually a jolly affair that many look forward to. As well as The Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic Race. Also, one for the bucket list next year is the Nedbank Desert Dash: This epic race through the desert gets better and better with many young and old cyclists taking up the challenge of finishing the excruciating 24-hour race. These are just a few.
That's it from us here at SportsWrap. Make sure you share sporting events, activities and put us in contact with athletes we cannot reach. Goodbye till 2020.
[email protected]
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