A thrilling numbers of fixtures lineup for this weekend in the much anticipated FNB Women Super League this weekend.
The league, which launched last week, announced FNB as their official sponsor, pledging a total of N$7.5 million for three years.
The league features 14 teams from Ongwediva, Swakopmund, Okahandja, Gobabis, and Windhoek. The fixtures for the weekend were revealed yesterday after the draw held at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) house in the capital.
During the event, Shama Gure, the head coach of Tura Magic Ladies, expressed excitement for the return of the league. He emphasized the importance of this initiative in elevating the quality of the national women’s team and expressed gratitude to the sponsors for the opportunity it provides for young girls to get back on the field.
“We are delighted and grateful for the sponsors. This initiative provides an opportunity for young girls to get back on the field, and we appreciate the effort put into making this a reality. I eagerly anticipate the weekend’s games and look forward to the level of competition other teams will bring on the field,” he said.
Similarly, Ronnie Hoxopep the coach of Girls and Goals expressed his enthusiasm and readiness for the opening fixtures on Saturday. His team has been training, and he believes they are well-prepared for the weekend. He expressed his team’s determination to build on their success from the previous season.
“I am thrilled to say that my team has been training hard and I’m confident that they’re ready for this weekend’s games. We have put in a lot of work, and we are eager to continue from where we left off last season,” he said.
The annual 10km Spar Marathon will be held in Windhoek on April 23rd, but this year it’s exclusively for women, according to organizers who aim to empower women.
The Sports officer in the Erongo Region, Berthold Karumendu, announced at the launch that they plan to grow the event as it has been done in South Africa.
“I received a call from my Spar colleagues about reworking the event, as they wanted to change the race dynamic. I believe this is a great idea that would empower women, and I think it’s good to see this change,” he said.
The event will take place at the Wanderers Sports Field in the capital. Minister of Sports, Agnes Tjongarero, commended the initiative as a great start in empowering women and urged them to participate in the inaugural women-only event.
“I believe this is a great start, especially considering that a similar event in South Africa has become much larger. I think we are taking the same route, and this is a wonderful initiative overall. I encourage all women to participate in this fantastic opportunity,” she said.
Netball player and Umpire Zelma Bittler recently obtained an umpiring Gold accreditation, a step closer for Bittler to officiate in Africa and the rest of the World.
Hailing from Walvis Bay, Bittler had to overcome hardships to attain her dreams today an accountant by profession Bittler speaks to SRSM, on her journey of becoming one of the most qualified umpires in Netball Namibia.
SRSM, thank you for chatting to us. Tell us about your background and upbringing?
I was born and raised in Walvis Bay, I lost my father when I was 12 and I grew up with my older sister we practically raised ourselves because my mom is based in the north and she was unemployed at the time. Growing up in Secondary School I had work after school and during holidays just to feed my sister and I, as well as pay school fees.
What sports did you play growing up, and how did you develop the love for Netball?
I played netball from grade 1 at Immanuel Ruiters primary school till date, Netball was just my favourite sports since I was young so the love was already there before I even knew it.
What keeps you motivated to keep playing?
The love of the game is my motivation, in addition the young girls we keeping out of the streets is my biggest motivation to stay in the game.
What inspired you to become an umpire?
Well umpiring really just started for me because every team had to provide an umpire as a requirement of the Khomas league rules, so at the time when we started the team most players where beginners so I was the only one who knew the rules at the point.
Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great umpire?
I believe my strength as an umpire is because I myself am a player so I would never want to be officiated unfairly. So my strength is honesty and fair umpiring.
What does getting a gold accreditation mean for you?
Its mean that I’m not far from receiving accreditation for Africa and after worldwide so I can be umpiring at the netball world cup.
What opportunities are there for Netball umpires?
The opportunities are not so many but I believe it will become more as the years go and the game gets more exposure and one gains experience, if not here in Namibia one can try around the world.
Why are you so passionate about playing Netball and umpiring?
The main reason I am passionate about netball and umpiring is because one sees how the people that our team has groomed has grown to national players, some got jobs and others turn passion into something profitable.
What keeps you going?
My husband keeps me going, he keeps reminding me that I am good, I am talented and I am an inspiration to most of the girls.
Is there an umpire or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
My role model is Annie Kloppers, she is an international umpire from South Africa, she is 55 years old and still umpiring international games.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself as an international umpire and running an umpiring academy to give back to the nation.
What advice do you have for the girl child?
I advise the girl child to never give up on any of their dreams no matter how hard it seems. I believe with God, being humble, hardworking and with discipline you can get anywhere in life.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Agnes Tjongarero, has encouraged women to participate in the 37th edition of the Nedbank National Cycling Challenge, set to take place in the coming week.
During the launch of the event, Tjongarero highlighted that cycling is a sport that promotes gender equality and has the potential to greatly impact society if utilized properly.
Photo: Contributed
She emphasized the value it brings to healthy living and stated that increased participation from women would lead to a more diverse and better country.
“I want women to join this cycling challenge, it creates a healthy living and gender equality in sport, and that’s what Namibia wants to see. I think if we can have more women partaking it would lead to a better country and a society with diversity,” she said.
The Nedbank National Cycling Challenge is a highly regarded and well-attended event that draws cyclists from Namibia and beyond. Last year, the challenge saw approximately 700 participants, and the organizers aim to see a rise in numbers this year.
Photo: Contributed
JG van Graan, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Nedbank Namibia, stated that the event has been instrumental in encouraging women’s participation in sports and addressing issues of sports inequality in Namibia.
He added that the desert dash was a success last year, with the first black women’s team finishing the race and receiving the same prize money as their male counterparts.
“Without a doubt, this competition has been one of those that have encouraged more women to compete in sports. We have a huge number of women and girls competing in this competition and this tells you have much of an impact it has on the society. We have also through our event managed to address the issues of sports inequality in Namibia which is beautiful to see,” he said
This year’s competition will take place on February 12th.
Head coach of the Namibian women’s national indoor hockey team, Erwin Handura stated, his squad is nearly ready for the upcoming Indoor Hockey World Cup.
Photo: Namibia Hockey Union
The highly anticipated competition is set to commence this week, with Namibia placed in Pool B alongside Ukraine, Czech Republic, Belgium, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
In an interview with SRSM, Handura, who held his team’s training camp in the Netherlands, shared that the squad had a productive preparation for the World Cup, as the team competed in several high-intensity games against local clubs in that country. He stated that they gained valuable lessons from these matches and made necessary adjustments to address their shortcomings.
“The team’s readiness, both mentally and physically, is at a high level, and we’re looking forward to our first match on Sunday,” Handura expressed confidently.
The team will start their journey in the tournament with a tie against Kazakhstan on February 5th and will go on to face Canada on the 6th, Ukraine on the 7th, and Czech Republic on the 9th.
Despite being satisfied with the team’s overall fitness, Handura acknowledged that they will need to make some final tweaks ahead of the tournament. However, he emphasized that he is confident in his team’s preparation and performance.
“The team is 90% ready for this competition. We will need to do some few adjustments ahead of the first encounter. But overall I am satisfied,” he added
Namibia’s women’s team qualified directly for the Indoor World Cup as the continental champions.
The event, initially scheduled to take place in Liege, Belgium in February 2022, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sixth edition of the tournament, set to take place this year, will mark the first time it will be held outside of Europe.
Netball Namibia President Rebecca Goagoses has expressed her satisfaction with the level of play displayed during the recent MTC NNPL play-offs.
The play-offs, which took place at the Wanderers netball court over the weekend, saw nine teams compete for a place in the top flight netball league.
The five teams that won their respective regional leagues, as well as the four teams that finished at the bottom of the 2022 netball season, took part in the play-offs.
Photo: Contributed
After a full day of intense competition, Fatou NC, Northern Fly Ballers NC, Wanderers NC, and Young Stars emerged as the winners and gained promotion to the MTC NNPL.
Wanderers head coach, Erica van Zyl, was confident in her team’s abilities from the start and praised their hard work and practice leading up to the play-offs. She said,
“I knew from the beginning that my team had the capacity to advance to the MTC NNPL. We have quality players, some of whom have been exposed to the highest level of the netball game. Despite the difficulty, I had no doubt that we would make it through,” she said
The president of Netball Namibia was impressed with the overall performance of all teams during the play-offs and expressed her satisfaction with the competition.
“I am happy with how the play-offs went. It went as planned, thanks to our sponsors MTC, who ensured that everything went smoothly. In terms of the quality of play on the court, all teams showed that they deserved to be in the premier league, showcasing the style of play that demonstrates the growth of netball in the region. With opportunities provided to all regions, the premier league will continue to attract more quality players,” she said
The new netball season is expected to commence in March 2023, with Otjiwarongo-based Mighty Gunners reigning as the current champions. With the impressive display of talent during the play-offs, fans can anticipate a high level of netball play when the league begins.
The Nedbank Desert Dash will take place on 9 and 10 December 2022 and will see cyclists depart from the Windhoek Grove Mall on Friday, 9 December, and arrive at Swakopmund’s Platz A Meer on Saturday, 10 December.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is the longest single-stage mountain bike race in the world, where cyclists are given 24 hours to complete the 397-kilometer races through the Khomas – Hochland Mountains and the Namib Desert, to the coastal town of Swakopmund.
Old Mutual Namibia sponsored the first ever all-black women’s team to participate. The team will consist of Vicky Dan, Winnie Mukupuki, Sofia Simon, and Jacky Shipena.
Old Mutual All Black Women Team: Photo contributed
The Dash will see about 21 female solo riders from different countries, who have entered into the finals, 14 entries for two person teams, 40 female entries of 4 persons team,
To date, there has never been a full participation of an all-black team in the Nedbank Desert Dash. The Old Mutual Namibia sponsored team aims to change this status quo and empower fellow female cycling enthusiasts.
Old Mutual Namibia’s sponsorship will assist the team to cover their accommodation, travelling and attire needs which will ensure they are at ease when they partake in the Nedbank Desert Dash.
During the media launch, Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer, JG van Graan, reminisced on how the organisation of last years’ Nedbank Desert Dash was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Last year, we were battling to overcome the challenges of organising sports events during the pandemic, and by divine grace, we are once again launching this epic event without any restrictions or measures to be concerned about – that is something truly to be grateful for and celebrate”, he mentioned.
This year, cyclists from 17 different countries will take part in this years’ Nedbank Desert Dash, namely Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA, Germany, Canada, Germany, Zimbabwe, UK – Britain, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Botswana, Malawi, DR Congo, France, Austria.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is co-sponsored by Indongo Toyota, SuperSpar (Maerua and The Grove, and Hollard.
Helvi Eliakim, former Namibia Senior Women national team Captain and defender, is not only gifted with exceptional football skills, but is an excellent academic performer as well. She forms part of the team of women with careers off the pitch, and killing both roles with pride and honour.
Hear me out, the multi-gifted Eliakim is currently an NFA, COSAFA and CAF General Coordinator [GC] and the U23 Men National Team Manager. She is a professional Mathematics and German teacher, a former Confederation of Colleges & Universities of Southern Africa Student Representative, served as a Central School Sports League Administrator and Union Secretary General, was the U15, U17, U20 and Senior Women National Teams Manager, and an ex-Sport Commission Vice Chairperson for Khomas Region. While we are here, let me bring it to your attention that she is also part of a selected group that led the FIFA E-Connect training programme.
During her playing years, Eliakim was described as a tough opponent, a fearless and a hard-tackling defender, who also flourished in other sports codes like javelin and 200m athletics. In 2007, she bagged the Sportswoman of the year at the Windhoek College of Education, where she later obtained her teaching qualification.
A persisting knee injury forced her into retirement from football twelve [12] years ago, after undergoing her second knee AC ligament reconstruction in 2010. She has since had a third operation done on her knee in 2020.
The former captain says she was drawn to organising and managing, which encouraged her to advance both her knowledge and skills, leading to her landing the GC role.
“Prior to becoming a GC, I served in various administrative positions in sport. I made it a priority to attend FIFA and CAF administrative and Football coordinating courses and workshops and today, that commitment has paid off.”
She is currently the only Namibian woman serving in that position nationwide, which she says is nowhere close to being a good number for women representation in that capacity.
“We have a GC trainee, Ms Joanitha Gowases, but it would be great to have more women General Coordinators in Namibia. Countries like South Africa have a great number of women serving in that role and I think it would serve us well to emulate that.”
More on the former Football Star:
Do you serve in any other role; Sport, Profession, Academic?
“I am the chairperson of the Girls Football Academy. No current academic roles however, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Science and Technology [NUST] and a Business Administration Diploma from the University of Namibia [UNAM].”
You have had quite a good year; worked with U23 men’s team and the Women’s Champions League. Take us through your experience?
“Oh! What a blessed year it has been! It started off with my first assignment as a General Coordinator for the Men CAF Champions League match, Al Ahly vs Al Hilal, in Cairo, Egypt. Thereafter, I was assigned as one of the two General Coordinators for the COSAFA Senior Women Championship in South Africa, for the 3rd consecutive year, followed by an assignment to Angola as the team manager of the national U23 men team.”
“I love to refer to the assignment that followed as the “cherry on top of the cake”, because it is my greatest assignment this far. I was one of the four General Coordinators for the 2nd Edition of the CAF Women Champions League Tournament in Morocco, a major stepping stone in my career.”
“The exposure has been great and I have gained massive experience. All assignments played a significant role, but my experience at the CAF Women Champions League is close to none, and will forever have a place in my heart. I was part of a great team, and worked with amazing people with whom I shared fantastic football moments. This year showed me that my hard work is paying off, and will hopefully serve as a steppingstone for future CAF call-ups, such as the AFCON, WAFCON, and hopefully, even FIFA championships.”
What keeps you going?
“God! I know I can do all things through God who strengthens me, and concur with the saying ‘Those who can kneel down for the Lord, can stand up to anything’.”
Let’s talk principles; what is your personal philosophy?
“Impossible is only a dare.”
What would your best advice to the girl child be?
“The first would be to never give up hope. Dreams do come true, and I am a living proof of that. I have not ticked all my boxes yet however, I am far from where I started. I firmly believe that someday, God willing, I will achieve it all. Lastly, they say discipline, dedication and respect are key factors, but I believe patience and passion are virtues which are absolutely essential.”
As we conclude our interview, what are your last words?
“I am a firm believer that if you have knowledge, pass it on to those in need, and always do for others what you want them to do for you.”
A wonder WOMAN: At the young age of 14 Alethea Borman fell in love with body building a love inspired by her father who was a bodybuilder at the time, has sent her on a journey no Namibian woman has ever been on, a career spanning over 20 years and numerous achievements Borman retires from professional body building and takes over as the new IFBB Namibia President.
In an exclusive interview with SRSM Borman takes us through her journey of being the first and only Namibian Professional body builder to attain elite status and her plans to revive body building in Namibia and give young body builders the exposure they deserve.
Who is Alethea Borman?
Alethea Borman hails from the beautiful Land of the Brave, Namibia. A holder of 2 law degrees, B. Juiris and LLB from the University of Namibia.
My proudest moment during my university years was being selected as the best LLB law student of my class, in addition I am also an admitted legal practitioner in the High Court of Namibia with 18 years of experience as a legal professional. Currently I am the head of the Compliance, risk and Management department at the world’s 2nd largest uranium producing company, furthermore I am an executive member of the Namibian Women’s Lawyers association.
Apart from my professional career, I loves sports. I hold national colours is Netball and the first and only Namibian to have ever won an international body building event, The Arnold Classics thus becoming the first ever IFBB Elite pro athlete for my country.
Lastly, I am also a mother of three (3) and happily married for more than 20 years.
What kind of influence did your family have in you choosing a path in sports?
Sport is merely my hobby. There is really no money in Professional body building in Namibia yet. . My dad used to be a body builder, my brother also competed in body building. I just fell in love with the sport at the age of 14 years and I just never stopped. My husband and children are super supportive and were always by my side whenever I used to compete. I have since retired from professional body building and my focus now is to help Namibian athletes compete internationally. Although I have since retired I still keep fit and have turned to cross fit at the Swakopmund cross fit box.
Take us through your journey as a bodybuilder and the moment you decided to take it seriously and become a professional?
My first competition was at the tender age of 14 years. I had already decided then, this is my love. However body building died down and only in 2006 I decided to get back on stage and started preparing for Ms. Fitness South Africa.
Did you part-take in other sports or has it always been bodybuilding?
I hold National colours in Netball for the Namibia A under 20 team and was also the captain of that team the 2nd year of my selection. I also hold national colours in under 21 A Team for netball.
I was also good in athletics and right now I have an interest in cross fit which I do under the supervision of my coach, Jancke Rentel.
Being the only professional bodybuilder in Namibia, how has that impacted your life?
I think because of the low interest in the sport, I don’t think it had any major impact. There has never been any acknowledgement from my country at all for my achievements in the sport. However seeing as this is merely my hobby, I don’t think I took enough time to put it out there in the public.
Looking back at when you started bodybuilding what would you say are some of the major positive changes you have seen in the sport?
When I started, there was no competitions in Namibia. I had to travel to South Africa to compete and qualify. That has changed, there are now a couple of shows already being held here in Namibia, which is a plus. The sport is small and with more events coming up it can only increase the number of athletes, and improve their condition.
Congratulations on your appointment as President, what does it mean for you to achieve this milestone.
First I have to get the ball rolling and establish IFBB Namibia. I also need to get people who share my passion to help me with the management and events for the future.
What is your vision for bodybuilding in Namibia?
For it to be a platform where our athletes can show case their talent and take that talent and show the world the best of Namibian Body building.
What are some of the challenges that still need to be overcome for the sport to grow in Namibia?
I think the biggest challenge is understanding the sport and sponsorship. Body building in really still almost an unknown sport in Namibia but its only now starting to pick up. Sponsorship to host an event or even compete internationally is really hard to come by.
Is there still stigma towards women bodybuilders?
Off course. The first thing I always hear especially from women, is “I don’t want to look like a man”. “Honey” you have to train super hard, eat right and push some serious iron to even remotely look like that. A positive aspect though is that the sport itself has grown to accommodate more athletes and their physiques over the years.
Also the use of steroids is something that has always been strongly linked to the sport and the extreme muscularity of some women.
What does it take for a women to become a bodybuilder?
Hard hard work, commitment, discipline, consistency and a thick skin. A lot of people will want to steer you away, don’t listen wait until the results show.
Is there a huge interest for women to join bodybuilding? If no what are some of the common reasons to not partake?
There has been an increase in female participation. And I am overjoyed by this. Because of the inclusion of more divisions under woman, more women are seen entering the sport. I believe this sport will still grow bigger in Namibia.
What are the pros and cons of becoming a bodybuilder as a women?
PRO: the discipline, people stare they will stare a lot it’s not always a bad thing, the journey, the end result, making new friends, lessons learnt , example you become for others, you look good naked, and lastly you feel good.
Cons: has to be the lack of support and understanding.
What categories are there for women in bodybuilding competitions and how are they judged?
The categories are:
Beach Bikini, Fitness Bikini, Ladies wellness, body fitness, physique, and fit model
As a mom and wife, how did you juggle being an athlete as well?
I just don’t have a social life, (smiles). I think the recipe is not to think too much about where you get time. Make every minute count and cut out things that don’t add value to your life. So i don’t have time for TV or going out. My happy times are in the gym and with my children and family.
Do you think there is enough recognition for women in sports?
No. I think there is still a long way to go for equal recognition. Equal recognition does not only mean recognition as an athlete, but also in sponsorship and pay. So no. We still have a long way to go.
What is your advice for women who want to get into bodybuilding?
I want every woman to start with a healthy lifestyle. However if you want to compete, Set a date for your show and start planning. Every minute and every day counts. Become the best version of you.
Fun facts:
What most people don’t know about you: I am an introvert. I don’t like going out at all. I have a thing for tekkies.
Age: 43
Biggest achievement in bodybuilding: Won the 2018 Arnolds champs and awarded Elite Pro Card
Other achievements: some notable ones being the 2017 Western Province champion, 2014 International event – 4th at the amateur Olympia, 2016 – 2nd at the Arnolds (lost to a Russian athlete) and in 2017 at the IFBB World CHampions – 13th .
Role model: Cory Everson
What is your diet like: Oats, egg white, chicken breast, rice and sweet patotoes, greens lots and of greens. Tuna (chilly ones are the best).
What is your favorite muscle group: the back.
To win a competition how long does it take to train: Depends on the amount of muscle you have, it can take from 1 year to 3 years.
“Body building has taught me discipline and consistency. What the sport teaches you, filters through to the rest of what you do and how you peruse things. I always try my best to give my best in anything I do.” Borman.
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.
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”.
