Sports – Page 14 – Windhoek Observer

19 Jan

MTC Boosts Netball Namibia with N$2.5 Million Sponsorship Increase and 6-Year Commitment

ObserverSportsMTC Boosts Netball Namibia with N$2.5 Million

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of netball in Namibia by announcing a substantial increase in sponsorship for Netball Namibia (NN). The company’s chief human and corporate affairs officer, Tim Ekandjo, declared on Thursday a sponsorship surge to N$2.5 million for the upcoming 2024 MTC Namibia Netball Premier League (NNPL) season, along with a promising six-year partnership. This announcement follows a 36% increase from the previous year’s sponsorship, which stood at N$1.9 million. Tim Ekandjo emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the sport, stating that this boost aims to elevate the standards of the league…

19 Jan

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsDeon Hotto

In the wake of Deon Hotto’s exhilarating goal at the ongoing AFCON 2023, Namibia witnessed a spectacular display of national passion and patriotism, showcasing the unifying power of sports. The entire nation, irrespective of location or background, was drawn to screens of all sizes, eager to be part of a historic moment that transcended the boundaries of daily life. Am just saying this jubilation prompts reflection on the contradictory relationship between the euphoria of sports victories and the lackluster support for sports development within the country. Am just saying, while the entire nation unites to celebrate a goal scored thousands…

19 Jan

Excitement Builds as Debmarine Premiership Teams Resumes Training for Second Round

ObserverSports

As the football fever continues to grip Namibia, anticipation is mounting for the restart of the Debmarine Premiership, scheduled for February 3, 2023. Football clubs across the nation have already plunged into training sessions in preparation for the second round of matches. FC Ongos took the lead by kicking off their training on January 3, setting the pace for others to follow suit. The football community has witnessed various teams, including Julihno Sporting from Rundu, Young African based in Gobabis, Blue Waters hailing from Walvis Bay, and prominent Windhoek-based clubs such as Khomas Nampol, African Stars, Orlando Pirates, Civics, and…

17 Jan

Brave Warriors Historic AFCON Win Against Tunisia Marks Triumph for Southern Africa

ObserverFeatured, SportsBrave Warriors Historic AFCON Win Against Tunisia Marks Triumph for Southern Africa, Deon Hotto

Brave Warriors secured their first-ever victory in the AFCON tournament, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history. The decisive moment came five minutes before the end of a tense match against African football powerhouse Tunisia, as midfielder Deon Hotto netted a stunning goal, sealing the fate of the encounter in favor of the Brave Warriors. Coach Collin Benjamin, the mastermind behind the victory, demonstrated his strategic brilliance and the team’s determination have not only written a new chapter in Namibia’s football history but also elevated the nation’s standing on the continental stage. The win against Tunisia, a…

17 Jan

Namibia tastes historic AFCON glory

ObserverSportsNamibia tastes historic AFCON glory

Niël Terblanché In a thrilling and historic moment for Namibian football, the Brave Warriors secured their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory by stunning Tunisia in a spectacular 89th-minute header from Deon Hotto. The exhilarating match took place last night at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, during the opening fixture of Group E, and it has sent waves of celebration throughout Namibia and beyond. Namibia's triumph continued a trend of upsets during the early stages of the latest AFCON tournament, with Cape Verde claiming a last-gasp victory over Ghana and Egypt needing a late penalty…

17 Jan

Namibia National Chess Qualifiers Showcase Strategic Brilliance and Chess Excellence

ObserverSportsNamibia National Chess Qualifiers Showcase Strategic Brilliance and Chess Excellence

The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) hosted the Namibia National Chess Qualifiers in Windhoek. Chess enthusiasts and players from across the country gathered for four days of competition, concluding in the selection of the top five players from both the men’s and women’s sections. The top contenders secured spots in the upcoming Namibia National Chess Championships Closed event, where they will battle for the opportunity to represent Namibia at the prestigious 2024 International Chess Federation Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary in September 2024. In the seven-round Classical Chess Tournament, which attracted both Under 20 and Senior Chess Players, The competition was fierce…

16 Jan

YOUNGEST BRAVE WARRIORS AT AFCON

ObserverSportsAnanias Junior Gebhardt and Prins Menelik Tjiueza, YOUNGEST BRAVE WARRIORS AT AFCON

Ananias Junior Gebhardt and Prins Menelik Tjiueza are respectively Namibia's oldest and youngest players at this year's Afcon finals. At 35, Gebhardt is the madala of the squad while 21-year-old Prins Tjiueza is the baby of the team. Here is a glimpse of the oldest and youngest players at Afcon since 1998: 1998Oldest: Orlando Haraseb – 29 yearsYoungest: Congo Hindjou – 21 years 2008Oldest: Athiel Mbaha – 31 yearsYoungest: Wycliff Kambonde – 20 years 2019Oldest: Ronald Ketjijere – 31 yearsYoungest: Isaskar Gurirab – 21 years 2024Oldest: Ananias Gebhardt – 35 yearsYoungest: Prins Tjiueza – 21 years

16 Jan

Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series Kicks off 2024 Season with Record-breaking Turnout

ObserverSportsNedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series Kicks off 2024 Season with Record-breaking Turnout

A staggering 204 cyclists pedaled their way through the opening race of the 2024 Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series (WPP) on Sunday morning along the Dordabis Road. This marked the commencement of the six-race series, witnessing a record participation and the introduction of new categories.The 2024 edition unveiled the mountain bike category, the school team’s category, and the para-athlete category. In the Men’s Team race event, Alex Miller emerged victorious with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 32 seconds, closely trailed by Christian Janse van Rensburg and Daniel Abraham.Meanwhile, the Women's Team category was fiercely contested,…

12 Jan

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsJust Saying with Matts Haikali

As we usher in 2024, the landscape of sports in our country is undergoing a significant transformation. For those deeply involved in sports, be it as athletes, administrators, partners, or stakeholders, this shift presents a promising sign. However, as we make plans for the upcoming sports activities, it is imperative that we navigate this changing terrain with careful consideration. Am just saying, that in this era dominated by social media, the need for transparent and effective communication has never been more crucial. Awareness of the evolving dynamics within our sports codes is paramount, as there are individuals seeking to undermine…

12 Jan

Exclusive Interview with the Executive Director of NYSDP, Isa Saidi

ObserverSportsExclusive Interview with the Executive Director of NYSDP, Isa Saidi

Name : Isa SaidiDate of Birth : 24 DecemberPlace of Birth : Kamativi Town - ZimbabwePosition : Founder and Executive DirectorOrganization : National Youth Sports Development Platform Can you provide a brief overview of your involvement in sports and what career path you have chosen?My journey started in football, from my early days as a player at the primary and secondary levels, to a stint with Kadoma United FC in the second division. It was during this time that I recognized the abundance of untapped talent and chose to channel my efforts into the development of football.Transitioning from being a…