Axed Wilders holds ‘no grudges’, accepts minister's decision
Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) board chairperson Cilas Wilders has confirmed his removal by sports minister Agnes Tjongarero, but said he holds no grudges and respects the minister’s decision.
He described the move as an opportunity to refocus his efforts on developing sports in the country.
“I will resign, and that's fine. I'll continue with my work, and I respect what the minister has done. It’s about my professional career and the circumstances, so I’ll leave it at that," he said Monday.
"The commission is doing very well, and everything is progressing smoothly. Let them continue their work, and I will focus on investing in other initiatives for my country and my people,” he added.
Wilders said he will now focus on building a high-performance institute aimed at equipping coaches with advanced skills through sports coaching degrees and short courses in collaboration with local universities.
“This will contribute to improving the performance of our athletes and coaches,” Wilders told Namibian Sun yesterday.
He emphasised his commitment to positivity and moving forward. “I hold no grudges or bad feelings. Sometimes, when something unexpected happens, you just have to accept it’s beyond your control and move forward. That’s not a problem for me. Together, we can continue building our country. I’m a positive person, and I believe in moving forward.”
‘Blessing in disguise’
Wilders, who served as chairperson for just over a year, said the decision was beyond his control.
“She is the minister, and it is within her authority to make decisions. If she's not satisfied with me, that's her prerogative. Unfortunately, this situation is not in my hands. If she feels I should be replaced, then so be it. I respect that. For me, it’s about serving my country and my people, and I can contribute in other ways."
Wilders said his removal opens up opportunities to channel his expertise into other meaningful projects. “When one door closes, another opens. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. This gives me the opportunity to focus on my expertise as a professional and contribute to building our country," he said.
He added: "I’m very optimistic about the future of Namibian sports and high performance. I think the federation is progressing well, and I’m positive about that too.”
Support of Mwiya
Last year, Wilders voiced support for NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya, who was placed on 14 days of forced leave to allow investigations into allegations of misconduct.
Mwiya allegedly threatened to harm board member Monica Shapwa over a dispute involving changes to signatories on NSC bank accounts.
“Despite what’s being circulated, my colleagues and I fully support Mwiya,” Wilders told Confidente newspaper at the time, dismissing claims of alleged corruption.
According to the Confidente, WhatsApp messages among board members suggested an intention to remove Mwiya from his position, though no concrete evidence of corruption had been presented by the new board.
Wilders, however, defended Mwiya, telling Confidente: “The board’s move to investigate him should be based on facts, not hearsay. He remains an asset to the NSC, and I stand by that.”
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He described the move as an opportunity to refocus his efforts on developing sports in the country.
“I will resign, and that's fine. I'll continue with my work, and I respect what the minister has done. It’s about my professional career and the circumstances, so I’ll leave it at that," he said Monday.
"The commission is doing very well, and everything is progressing smoothly. Let them continue their work, and I will focus on investing in other initiatives for my country and my people,” he added.
Wilders said he will now focus on building a high-performance institute aimed at equipping coaches with advanced skills through sports coaching degrees and short courses in collaboration with local universities.
“This will contribute to improving the performance of our athletes and coaches,” Wilders told Namibian Sun yesterday.
He emphasised his commitment to positivity and moving forward. “I hold no grudges or bad feelings. Sometimes, when something unexpected happens, you just have to accept it’s beyond your control and move forward. That’s not a problem for me. Together, we can continue building our country. I’m a positive person, and I believe in moving forward.”
‘Blessing in disguise’
Wilders, who served as chairperson for just over a year, said the decision was beyond his control.
“She is the minister, and it is within her authority to make decisions. If she's not satisfied with me, that's her prerogative. Unfortunately, this situation is not in my hands. If she feels I should be replaced, then so be it. I respect that. For me, it’s about serving my country and my people, and I can contribute in other ways."
Wilders said his removal opens up opportunities to channel his expertise into other meaningful projects. “When one door closes, another opens. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. This gives me the opportunity to focus on my expertise as a professional and contribute to building our country," he said.
He added: "I’m very optimistic about the future of Namibian sports and high performance. I think the federation is progressing well, and I’m positive about that too.”
Support of Mwiya
Last year, Wilders voiced support for NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya, who was placed on 14 days of forced leave to allow investigations into allegations of misconduct.
Mwiya allegedly threatened to harm board member Monica Shapwa over a dispute involving changes to signatories on NSC bank accounts.
“Despite what’s being circulated, my colleagues and I fully support Mwiya,” Wilders told Confidente newspaper at the time, dismissing claims of alleged corruption.
According to the Confidente, WhatsApp messages among board members suggested an intention to remove Mwiya from his position, though no concrete evidence of corruption had been presented by the new board.
Wilders, however, defended Mwiya, telling Confidente: “The board’s move to investigate him should be based on facts, not hearsay. He remains an asset to the NSC, and I stand by that.”
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