Month: October 2022

Categories
Hockey

NAMIBIA WINS TEST SERIES

By: Joviita Kandjumbwa

A test series for the books for Namibia.

The Namibia Hockey Union hosted a three day international Hockey Indoor Test Series against South Africa at the Windhoek Show grounds indoor hockey arena over the past weekend.

Namibia started off the series with a victory 2-0 against South Africa followed by a 2-1 win in the second test to conclude Day one, on a high note.

Day two saw both teams levelled, unable to split the points after playing both matches to a draw. Test three Namibia 2-2 South Africa, Test Four Namibia 4-4 South Africa.

On the final day of the series South Africa fought hard to get a first win, winning by a single goal against Namibia. Despite Namibia losing the final test match, they won the overall test by 2-1. A first for the Namibian Hockey ladies to win a test series against South Africa.

Vice-captain of Namibia Sunelle Ludwig was crowned the player of the series, while Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg was awarded goalkeeper of the series and Azaylee Philander of Namibia scored the most goals (8 goals) of the series.

Speaking at the games, Coach Erwin Handura expressed his satisfaction with the ladies performance, “it’s good that we could win two of the five matches and lost one, it shows that our preparation for the world cup are on the right track, we still have some work to do but pretty happy with the efforts so far” said Handura.

This international test series also served as preparation for the Indoor World Cup next year and the Union is planning on possibly hosting one more tournament at home before the world cup and a European tour, said Reagon Graig NHU president.

This test series also marked the last international game for Magreth “Magy” Mengo on home soil as she plans to retire at the end of the Indoor Hockey World cup, scheduled for the 5th to the 11th of February 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa.

Photo by: Namibia Hockey Union

An emotional Mengo who is the team’s captain reflected on her journey which she descried as “phenomenal”.

“Namibia has carried me, a special thank you to my coach he started hockey with me, thank you to the executives, all the sponsors MTC, Standard Bank, NAMDIA, DTA, K5. Thank you God for blessing me with this talent and carrying me” said Mengo.

Handura praised Mengo for being a brilliant leader on and off the field, being a champion in acquiring funds for the team stating that since 2015 the women never had to pay for any expenses because of Mengo’s efforts. “It is a blessing to have Magy as a captain”.

Categories
Soccer

Encouraging the girl child to be sporty.

By: Nancy N. Halweendo

Name the sport code, and you’re most likely to see Virginia Kujandeka killing it in the forefront of the fitness department, from Netball to Athletics and football, Rugby, Swimming, Basketball, and even Hockey.

A sports Fitness & Conditioning coach and Physical Education [PE] teacher, the coach is one of the eleven [11] women who successfully completed a FIFA Grassroots Coaching course this month, with FIFA Technical Expert, Zunaid Mall, at the Namibia Football Association in the country’s capital.

The charismatic coach who creates a safe space for young girls to play sports at school, believes a coach must be positive, enthusiastic and passionate about the role they play and therefore, should make it a priority to act and speak in a way that inspires children to take on the challenge of becoming great leaders and sports people.

“Sport has been proven to be a great aspect in child development. It helps improve their mindsets and their game playing abilities, and also aids in instilling focus and discipline, which are fundamental skills they take with as they grow into professional athletes and exemplary individuals in society.” says Kujandeka.

Apart from physical training, Kujandeka says she uses her knowledge and experience to try and reshape views and misconceptions surrounding women in sport.

 “Working with different age groups, I strive to teach both women and men the value of discipline, resilience and confidence. Women especially, need to work together and write their own history, which can only be achieved through collective effort.” She states

Kujandeka hailed women in sport for doing a “lekka” job at defying gender stereotypes in competitions regarded “too manly” for women and inspiring young girls to be go-getters and mentors of growth for the next generation of girls.

“I think this Magazine is a great initiative that promotes women through highlighting their efforts and achievements. If we want to get more girls to participate in sport, we have to start by creating more platforms that give a voice to women.”

Speaking on empowering the girl child, the young coach says “development course are always a great platform to meet new coaches, share and learn new skills and ways in which to inspire the young ones to become influential people in society and aid in strengthening community bonds.”

Categories
Soccer

Get to know a former star: Exclusive interview with former Brave Gladiators Skipper.

By: Nancy N. Halweendo

Combine consistency, dedication and talent and I tell you now, you will get Leandri Lucas!! Yes, at times her dribbles didn’t end in a celebration, but like the late Corry Ihuhua would say, Lucas was a knack of scoring goals at will.

In a get to know a former star interview with SRSM, the masterful educator chats about hanging up her boots, the transition from player to coach and giving back to her community. Let’s go!!

Age: 33

Profession: Teacher

Region: Erongo

Fun fact:

Only Brave Gladiators player to ever score against Nigeria.

Who plays the most important role in your life?

My Mother passed on last year, so I would say my Father.

Tell us a bit more about Leandri; where did she grow up and when did she start playing football?

Well, I grew up in Rehoboth and I was very close to my brothers, so at the age of five, I was already a street soccer player, as we called it back then. [Laughs].

Who inspired you to play

I guess the right answer here would be my family’s love and support. They always allowed me to pursue whatever I was good at, and growing up, football was one of those things. They have been a great pillar of support, especially my Father.

Did you show interest or get involved in any other sport, or have you always been strictly a football girl?

I have always loved sports. In primary, I participated in athletics and netball, and later had a whole sports program in high school, adding football and hockey to the list.

When did you hang your boots and why?

I hung my boots in 2010. My parents were very strict on education because they wanted nothing short of the best for and from us, and personally, my education came first before anything else. I took the decision to stop playing and focus on my studies.

What has been your  greatest career highlight.

My greatest highlight was starting the Walvisbay Girls Football School League, which runs to this very day. [Smiles]

What has been your greatest lowlight to date?

Strange, but I don’t really have one. The closest I have to a lowlight is probably the challenge of being a female footballer back then, in a male dominated sport code.

You mentioned the challenge of being a lady footballer. How did you manage to be a great player and captain despite all the challenges?

Resilience and determination. I set targets and goals and strived to achieve them the best way I could. I always found a way to overcome and keep going.

Who is the toughest opponent you have played against both locally and internationally?

Locally: Okahandja Beauties

Internationally: Nigeria

Let’s fast forward to 2022. How did you find yourself in the coaching department?

I’ve been a player for almost 15 years and while playing, I identified a need for educators in my region [Erongo]. Now at 33, I am coaching in Walvisbay and giving back to my community.

How different is Coaching from playing?

[Breathes deeply] Shuuu! Coaching and playing are two different activities. Being a coach comes with more responsibilities and constantly leading by example. The only thing we did as players was show and train. [Laughs]

How active is women football in your region?

Football activity went down since the pandemic outbreak in 2020, but the School league has since kicked off. We now wait on the Regional leagues.

Who’s your current favorite local female football star?

Kylie Van Wyk

What distinguishes Kylie from the rest?

She is young, talented and has great potential.

Do you think women football in Namibia has progressed since you first started playing?

Definitely. There is significant change in women football development in the country. Current players are exposed to more and better resources than we were, there are more women football clubs, development programs, and even facilities like gyms have improved and increased.

What are some of the positive changes you would like to see?

It would be great to see women footballers getting actual salaries from playing league football.

Does women football in Namibia get sufficient support and media coverage to keep it alive?

Not at all. We need both; more media coverage and support.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt from working with kids aspiring to become footballers?

To always be active, vigilant and fun because kids learn faster and with ease, when they can enjoy the sessions.

How important are football development courses in empowering women in sports in the country?

 I would say very important because it gives us [women] a sense of belonging and is a good platform for engagements dedicated towards making significant changes in our societies.

What would you do differently for women in sports?

I would suggest hosting a coaching courses just for women in sport in the country. It will give us unity and help us have a better understanding of the roles we play as women in our respective sports codes.

Categories
Uncategorized

All Roads lead to Luderitz

The 2022 MTC NSC NASA Nominees Announced

By: Joviita Kandjumbwa 

Images: Contributed

The harbour town of Luderitz will host this year’s MTC NSC Namibia Annual Sports on the 19th of November at the Luderitz Waterfront Auditorium. 

The nominees for this year’s awards were unveiled last night during a special programme on NBC TV. 

13 women have been nominated in the various categories, with the big winner of last year’s Namibia Annual Sports Awards, Christine Mboma scooping two nominations for MTC NASA Sportswoman of the year and MTC NASA Junior Sportswoman of the year.

Image: Contributed ( Christine Mboma)

Commonwealth Bronze medalist and marathon runner Helalia Johannes has also been nominated in two categories, the MTC Sportswoman of the year and MTC NASA Star of the year, respectively.

Image Contributed: Helalia Johannes

While Cricket Namibia and the Namibia Rugby Union have been nominated in the NASA National federation of the year category.

Speaking at the occasion Chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission Freddy Mwiya emphasized on the importance of taking the awards to all the 14 regions.

 “Namibia is comprised of 14 regions with countless towns and Luderitz is one of the historical places in Namibian history, we at the Commission are indeed proud that this year we will make history with our little contribution and civil duty to position Luderitz and market it to the entire globe using sports tourism as a vehicle not only to market Luderitz but the land of the brave to the entire globe.” He said.

Tickets will be available to the public for N$ 500 and corporate tables well cost N$ 20 000. Tickets can be bought using the Standard Bank PayPulse or at the sports commission +264 61 246 105.

And the nominees are:

MTC NASA SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Athletic Namibia:  Christine Mboma

Athletic Namibia:  Helalia Johannes

Namibia Karate Federation: Pronk Suzelle

MTC NASA JUNIOR SPORTWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Namibia Equestrian Federation: Jenna Gilchrist

Athletic Namibia:  Mboma Christine

Athletic Namibia:  Tuane Silver

NAMPOWER NASA SPORTWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

Namibia National Paralympic C:  Ishitile Lahja

Namibia National Paralympic C: Johanna Benson

Namibia National Paralympic C: Mushongo Kamuti

NAMPOWER NASA JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

Namibia National Paralympic C: Kambai Kavemumuine

Namibia National Paralympic C: Lahja Ipinge

Special Olympics Namibia:         Lize Meyer

DEBMARINE NAMIBIA NASA SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Special Olympic Namibia Unified Junior Sport Team

NASA UMPIREE/ REFEREE OF THE YEAR

Namibia Football Association: Vistoria Shangula

NASA NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE YEAR

Cricket Namibia Cricket Namibia

Namibia Rugby Union Namibia Rugby Union

NASA SPORT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – BROADCASTING

Namibia Broadcasting Corporation: Matheus Hileni

Categories
Netball

New Netball Premier League Champions: Mighty Gunners

Strong Gunners

By: Leena Ndakevondjo

Photographs: Contributed

Mighty Gunners are the winners of the MTC Netball Premier League that concluded over the past weekend at the Patrick Iyambo college in Windhoek.

Gunners played a total of 22 games this season and drop no ball winning all their games, concluding the season on a high note defeating the Namibia Correctional Service Netball club 46: 36 on the final day of the season.

Hilma Ndapewa Dawid, coach of Mighty Gunners said the season went according to plan, their aim was to win the title and are happy that they managed to reach their goal.

“We are looking forward to turning the negatives into positives and to ensure that we strengthen the team further for us to come back stronger next season”, she said.  

Dawid says they have learned a lot, their biggest lesson being that it is not easy to win the title, it took them a lot of hard work, commitment, sacrifices, and perseverance.

“I think the main mistake we did last season was that we scored less goals unlike this season, and the other mistake was that we didn’t work on our fitness much, but we managed to rope in a fitness trainer this season which made a big difference,” she added

Gunners did not encounter any severe injuries during the season, however they lost one of their best player, Tiny Tjozongoro who went abroad midway through the season.

Gunners managed to be champions due to the team effort that was in place, “our main aim was to win the title so we worked hard and we were guided by the 5P’s, which are PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE” Dawid said.

Gunners’ defender Ray Amukwaya stood out as the best player this season, “she was absolutely exceptional in défense, always on top of her game and was very consistent” as stated by her team players.

After the final game of the season, Gunners player Tutzi tjihero, expressed that it was a fantastic feeling to win this year’s league after setting a goal of winning, which they achieved.

“We have been consistent throughout the past two seasons, our superpower is that we put in a lot of work during this season to get stronger”, she added.

Gunners currently don’t have new players but will surely get new players going into the new season as they are looking forward to strengthening the team.

Dawid concluded that they won’t really do much to retain the title, “We will continue working hard, strengthen the team and rectify all the shortcomings” she said

Categories
Netball

Mupenda Shines in Varsity Netball

By: Joviita Kandjumbwa


A dream chaser, Namibian Netball player Cornelia Mupenda took no time to settle into the University of Johannesburg Netball team cementing her place in the first team and becoming a force to be reckoned with. By the end of her first year in the team, Mupenda scooped the best defender of 2021 and UJNC Recognition Award National, this is only the beginning for Mupenda as she is just getting started.
Speaking to SRSM, second-year Public Relations student Mupenda expresses her desire to achieve more both in her career and education.

Who is Cornelia Mupenda?

Cornelia Mupenda is a 21-year-old Dhemba girl, born and raised in Omaruru. She’s very passionate and goal-oriented. Loves spending time with her family.

When did your love for Netball start?

Well, I started playing netball in 2008, I was in grade 1 by that time. I didn’t take netball as serious because I was still young and didn’t know it would change my life as it did now. My passion for netball started when I made my first national colours and that was 2012. This is because I had a purpose and I was just not playing for the fun of playing netball any longer.

Did you partake in other sports besides Netball?

Yes, I did, I did athletics from grade 1 to grade 11.

Have you always been a defender, if not how do you transition into other roles?
Well, I have been a defender although I enjoy playing the GS position.

Being a student how do you balance school and sports?
Firstly, it takes discipline for someone to balance between Academics and sports. And I think I’m disciplined enough to balance between the two and stay consistent in both sports and academics.

When did you start playing for UJ and how has it been so far?
I’ve been at UJ since last year. My experience here is wholesome. I feel home and I always feel like I’m a step closer to my dreams. Being coached by the Spar Proteas Captain is a dream come true and I will always be grateful for that.

How different is Netball in South Africa compared to Namibia?

There’s not really a big difference between the two because we have more or less have the same playing style as South Africans. Other than that, I’d say there’s exposure here than in Namibia.

How important is education for athletes?

What most people don’t understand is that you need school to do sports on a higher level. As much as talent is there one needs marks to be granted an opportunity. SCHOOL IS VERY IMPORTANT.

What would you still like to Achieve?

There are so many things I still want to achieve, be it school, personal life and sports.

What has been your greatest achievement so far as a netball player?

Playing for my country and UJ

What advice do you have for young girls who want to play sports?

I’d like to say to the girl child to believe in their dreams and always work hard for what they want and always remember that it won’t be handed to you. You need to put in the extra work and always remember to pray and enjoy the journey. No matter how many mistakes you make you are still ahead of everyone that’s not trying.


Fun Facts about Cornelia:

Nickname: Corry

Age: 21

Studying: Public Relations

Favorite Netball player: Shamera Sterling

What do you do when not playing Netball:

Catching up on school and sleep.


Dream Destination: England


If you were not a Netball player, what would you be:

If I wasn’t a netball player, I’d be an athlete.

What no one knows about you:

I’m actually funny.

Categories
Rugby Soccer

Women slaying in sports: Exclusive interview with multi-sportswoman, Yvonne Kooper.

By: Nancy Halweendo

Well known in the streets of Mariental, where she caused havoc with her mad skill and talent on the football pitch, the twenty-three-year-old is arguably one of the finest sportswomen in the sport of football and Rugby.

In an exclusive interview with SRSM, the reserved Kooper unpacks her love for sports, a range of issues affecting women in the sports industry, and some of her highlights for the year.

When did you realize your love for sports?

It started off as just a game and I later got attached. I was born on a small farm called Dawed close to Maltahohe, but I later moved from there and grew up in Mariental where the majority of the kids you would find in the streets with a ball, were boys. By the age of fourteen, I was the only girl playing football with guys and I knew I wanted to do this for much longer.

What teams have you played for and were you involved in any other extra-curricular activities?

I was a fine athlete growing up. Started off at school and later competed regionally and at the national level.

Football: I have represented my region [Hardap] during regional games, and only ever played for Tura Magic Football Club Ladies.
Rugby: I played for Danie Joubert Combined School, Rehoboth Rugby Club, and now for Trustco United Rugby Club.

When you tell people you play Rugby or Football, what is their most common reaction and why do you think this is?
[Laughs] They are normally shocked because of my height and body size, especially when I mention Rugby. I think we haven’t normalized women of different sizes playing a sport like rugby which is usually played by bigger people.


You’ve played football for 9 years. What made you first get into Rugby and what has made you stick to it?
At seventeen, I tried Rugby out at the Danie Joubert Combined School in Mariental, and I enjoyed it so I decided to take it on as a sport and also because I love taking on new challenges. I joined Trustco United Rugby Club in 2022 and it’s great. I’ve met new players with different personalities and body sizes and I have become more confident in the sports I play despite my size.

What do you love most about being a sportswoman?

Being an inspiration to a young girl somewhere out there. Football and Rugby were mainly for men, but we [women] now play both perfectly which only proves that women can participate and perform well in any given sport.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge most sportswomen face today?
Discrimination is our greatest challenge. We are discriminated for almost everything, even things we have no control over like our body sizes. And don’t lose a match, coz now you will get hurtful comments directed at your choice of sport because there’s still a belief that women should only play “lady-like” sports.

Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great sportswoman?

I have speed and I am committed. I have a small body, but a big heart which proves the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” These make me a great sportswoman.

How do you manage your sports responsibilities and recreational life?

I am focused on my goals. I manage my responsibilities and still find time to relax.

Talk to us about some of your major highlights and achievements in sports this year.

Football: Playing Cosafa Women’s Champions Cup, where i scored a brace against Eswatini, and the friendly match we [ Namibia senior women national team] played against Botswana’s Senior Women Team on their Independence Day, where I scored the only goal.

Rugby: Definitely the Nationals 7’s tournament in Lesotho early this year in January. I was awarded the most valuable player of the tournament. I also got the most try-scorer award and the 2022 sportswoman of the year for my club, Trustco United.

Playing against the Springbok Women’s Team and the Zimbabwe Women’s Team in June this year in Cape Town, was also amazing.

What’s the greatest lesson you learned from your experiences both in Football and Rugby?

Teamwork is a major component in sports. I will not be able to perform as well as I do, or even score if my teammates and I do not work together.

If you could improve or change one thing for women in sports, what would it be?

Equal treatment. Why can’t we be treated equally when we play the same sport??

Who do you look up to as a role model and why?
[Smiles] I look up to Kylian Mbappe. He is a remarkable player with exceptional speed, renowned for his dribbling and finishing skills, and we play the same position [right wing].
Any last words to young girls thinking of getting into sports?
If you believe you can do it, why stop yourself? You believe in it, so it is possible!!

Categories
Netball

Mighty Gunners for the Win

Mighty Gunners 2022 MTC Netball Premier League Champions
By: Leena Ndakevondjo
Photo: MTC


After winning every game they played this season, Mighty Gunners were crowned the new MTC Netball Premier League Champions.
Over the weekend, the league came to an end, with the champions taking home N$120 000, second place Namibia Navy Netball Club earning N$80 000, and third place Namibia Correctional Services Netball Club earning N$60 000. Imelda Nerongo, the secretary general of Namibia Netball, claimed that the league this year was thrilling and that MTC’s sponsorship has significantly aided in the league’s growth.

She stated that this competition was among the greatest that the majority of national players participated in all year.
MTC corporate communication specialist Fikameni Mathias stated that they are thrilled and delighted with the outcome. “Netball is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, the league is competitive” however Mathias asserted that things can only become better if the first division is fixed. Mathias went on to say that investing in the girl Child is something that all Namibians should do.


Daisy Namases, team manager of Mighty Gunners, indicated that they made it clear from the start of the season that they wanted to win the championship in a fair and impartial manner.
“We will double whatever we have for next year and emerge stronger again.” Namases added that the team members have improved, and winning is the outcome of their improvement.
Rebbeca Goagoses, vice president of Namibia Netball, said the league has been competitive throughout the season and the league has really improved since last year.


Goagoses attributed that competition has really been tight and disappointments were seen in last year’s winners.
Namibia Navy Netball Club player Anna Casper, worked away with a cash price of N$50 000, as the League’s top goal scorer with 86%.
Saturday’s results:
Namibian Correction Services NC 44: 39 Rebels NC, Tigers NC 64:36 Young Stars NC, Eleven Arrows NC 43:54 Otjozondjupa Nampol NC, Blue Waters NC 15 :0 Grootfontein NC, Afrocat Lions NC 41:51 Namibian Navy NC, Eleven Arrows NC 50:25 Northern Fly Ballers NC, Otjozondjupa Nampol NC 59:33 Young Stars NC, Rebels NC 22:45 Tigers NC, Namibian Correction Services 36:42 Mighty Gunners NC