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Brexit minister disinterested

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Brexit minister disinterestedBrexit minister disinterested No desire to cushion country’s exit According to a memo, British minister David Davis has said that a transitional deal for the UK does not pique his interest. Britain''s Brexit minister David Davis is "not really interested" in a transitional deal to cushion the country from the effects of leaving the European Union, he told a private meeting with the City of London Corporation, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Friday, citing a memo of the meeting.

The FT, citing a memo of the 15 November meeting made by an unidentified City of London Corporation representative, said Davis would consider a transitional deal only in order to "be kind" to the EU.

British business has argued the government should agree a transition period after the UK leaves the bloc and before new trade terms are finalised, during which current arrangements stay in place.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will invoke Article 50 of the EU''s Lisbon Treaty that triggers the exit negotiations by the end of March 2017.

Last month she assured business leaders they would not fall off a legal "cliff edge" in 2019, giving her clearest signal yet that see was thinking of a transitional deal.

Also over the past week, Davis has given more positive signals about possible arrangements to support a Brexit soft landing, saying Britain would consider making payments to the EU after it leaves to achieve the best possible access for businesses to the bloc''s markets.

Large banks in Britain want the UK government to allow their industry to remain subject to EU laws for up to five years after Brexit, Reuters reported on Friday.

Davis told the meeting with the City of London Corporation that Britain''s sudden departure could compromise the EU''s financial stability and said he would be more in favour if the EU asked Britain for a transition. "I will be kind," he said, according to the Corporation''s account of the meeting, the FT said.

Davis also told it that the EU''s "inflexible approach" on immigration meant it was unlikely the UK would achieve access to the single market, the FT said, citing the memo.

But he said a trade deal such as the Canada-EU agreement would be relatively easy to secure and would not pose a significant problem for the UK because "most advantages" would be gained, said the newspaper.

The Department for Exiting the EU said the FT account of the meeting did "not properly reflect government policy or [Mr Davis''s] view," the FT said. The Brexit ministry was not immediately available for comment on the report.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Capricorn enhances foreign shareholding

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Capricorn enhances foreign shareholdingCapricorn enhances foreign shareholding Investment group acquires Zambian, Botswana banks Capricorn has increased its shareholding in its Zambian and Botswana based banks. Bank Windhoek''s parent Capricorn Investment Group this week announced that it has acquired Zambia''s Cavmont and Botswana based Bank Gaborone.

“In terms of the agreement, Capricorn will acquire 65% of the issued share capital of Capricorn Investment Holdings, which owns 100% of the share capital of Bank Gaborone, and 97.9% of Cavmont Capital Holdings Zambia Plc, which owns 100% of the share capital of Cavmont Bank,” the statement said.

“The transaction is seen as a key enabler towards achieving Capricorn Group''s aim to diversify the business interests of the group and expand its footprint outside Namibia. This transaction will also strengthen the already close collaboration and alignment between the entities in the three countries through the shared interest held by Capricorn Investment Holdings,” the statement said.

The Namibian Sun has in the last two weeks asked Capricorn about the performance of its businesses outside Namibia. Capricorn''s spokesperson Marilize Horn said at the time: “Based on the attached Cautionary Announcement, we will not be responding to the questions. A full announcement will be made once we are in a position to do so.

Following the announcement of the acquisition, Horn responded to the query saying, “All the information that we can share at this point in time is included in the Stock Exchange Announcement (NENS). You will note that the acquisition is attached to a number of conditions set out in the announcement. We will send out a follow up announcement once more detail is available.”

Meanwhile, Global Credit Ratings (CGR) this week affirmed Capricorn Investment Holdings an AA and A1 in the long run and short run respectively, while Capricorn''s outlook was accorded as stable. The rating''s agency also affirmed Bank Windhoek Limited similar ratings to that of its parent, Capricorn while according it a stable outlook.

Said GCR: “The ratings of Capricorn Group reflect its strong market position in the Namibian banking industry and significant presence in the insurance and asset management markets, as well as its stable capitalisation and earnings generation, adequate risk management framework and conservative risk appetite.

“Capricorn''s leading operating subsidiary, Bank Windhoek, is the largest locally owned bank and second largest commercial bank in Namibia. Bank Windhoek contributed 98.2% (Financial Year End 2015: 98.1%) of the Capricorn consolidated assets at Financial Year End 2016 and 86.6% (Financial Year End 2015: 88.9%) of pre-tax profits. Other non-banking subsidiaries contributed the balance. As such, the Group''s ratings largely replicate the banking subsidiary''s ratings.

“The ratings also reflect the high probability of support from the Namibian authorities, if required, based on Bank Windhoek''s high systemic importance, stemming from its substantial market shares.”





OGONE TLHAGE

Christmas cheer for consumers

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Christmas cheer for consumersChristmas cheer for consumers The recent decision taken by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Namibia has given consumers a lot of reason for cheer according to stock broking agency, PSG Konsult.

The committee this week elected to hold the repo rate steady at 7%.

Releasing its views, PSG said in a statement: “Namibia is technically in a rising interest rate cycle given that the central bank has increased the repo rate by 50 basis points since the start of this year and 100 since the start of 2015. However, given that inflation did not spiral out of control, the Namibian dollar has proved fairly resilient in the face of external headwinds in recent months, and key central banks have generally remained accommodative, the Bank of Namibia was afforded an opportunity to pause its hiking cycle. “Nevertheless, the outlook for monetary policy remains very uncertain and the exchange rate continues to be a significant upside risk to the inflation outlook. In recent months, the inflation rate kept close to 7% year-on-year and we still expect price pressures to remain elevated in 2017. The rand has been susceptible to bouts of weakness caused by flare-ups in political risk over the past year,” PSG said. Another source of depreciatory pressure on the rand is the substantial risk that South Africa will lose its investment-grade status during the course of 2017. Despite the recent decisions by credit rating agencies not to downgrade South Africa''s foreign currency credit rating, both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings now have the country on BBB- [and Baa3 ratings respectively] with a negative outlook. “Looking ahead, our baseline expectation is for the BoN to raise the repo rate by 25 basis points during 2017. This is on the back of our projected 50-point hike in the US federal funds rate next year, which will put pressure on the Namibian dollar, as well as our expectation of elevated food and administrated prices well into 2017,” PSG suggested laid in stock for the new year.



STAFF REPORTER

Leipzig lose top spot

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Leipzig lose top spotLeipzig lose top spot Bayern takes honours in German Bundesliga Bayern cruised to a 5-0 victory over Wolfsburg to grab the top spot while last-placed Ingolstadt upset unbeaten Leipzig with a 1-0 win at the 14th round of Bundesliga on Saturday. Bayern Munich recaptured the lead in Germany''s top flight after Carlo Ancelotti''s men crushed hapless Wolfsburg 5-0 thanks to the brace from Robert Lewandowski.

Immediately after kick-off, Bayern Munich assumed control against passive visitors from Wolfsburg. It took only 18 minutes before the German record champions broke the deadlock on home soil as Arjen Robben had all time and space to curl the ball from the edge of the box into the far post corner.

The hosts gained momentum with the opener and doubled the lead four minutes later through Robert Lewandowski, who capitalised on a deflected shot on target from Arturo Vidal to poke home the 2-0 lead from close range.

Wolfsburg''s offense were unable to threaten Bayern, as a free kick from Wolfsburg''s Ricardo Rodriguez remained the only test for Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the first half. After the restart, Bayern smoothed the way for the win as Lewandowski marked his 11th goal of the season to triple the lead after deflecting Thomas Mueller''s shot on target in the 58th minute.

Wolfsburg were unable to keep the hosts on the distance. Hence, Thomas Mueller was able to end his goal drought after tapping home from close range in the 76th minute before Douglas Costa rounded off the 5-0 win with a hammer from outside of the box in the dying minutes of the game.

With the result, Bayern jumped from the second to the first place while Wolfsburg remain winless in the fourth straight game to remain on the 15th position. Last place Ingolstadt ensured the stunner of the gameday after the “Schanzer” carved out a 1-0 victory over Leipzig, who suffered the first loss of the season.

Maik Walpurgis'' men secured a fairytale start in home front as Roger de Oliveira Bernardo headed home a free-kick cross from Anthony Jung to mark the opener with 12 minutes played.

Leipzig increased their efforts but they were unable to overcome Ingolstadt''s well-positioned defence. The “Bulls” had to wait until the restart to reap a promising chance but Ingolstadt''s custodian Martin Hansen denied Marcel Sabitzer''s shot on target.

The visitors controlled the proceedings but neither Emil Forsberg nor Oliver Burke were able to restore parity. Even after the dismissal of Ingolstadt''s Matthew Lecki, who booked his second yellow card, Leipzig failed grab the equaliser.

Forsberg had the golden chance in the dying minutes of the game but the Sweden international squandered the chance from very close range.

With the first loss of the season, Leipzig slipped from first to second place while Ingolstadt climbed from 18th to 17th.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen shocked third-placed Hertha Berlin 1-0 as Max Kruse marked the only goal of the match.

Dortmund wrapped one point at Cologne as Marco Reus'' late goal cancelled out Anthony Modeste''s early opener.

Ten-men Hamburg sealed their second straight win with a 1-0 victory over 10-men Augsburg and Freiburg reaped a 1-0 victory thanks to Nils Petersen''s converted penalty against Darmstadt, who slipped to the bottom of the Bundesliga.

The following fixtures conclude the 14th round on Sunday: Borussia Monchengladbach host Mainz and Schalke encounter Bayer Leverkusen.



NAMPA/XINHUA

Le Clos unstoppable

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Le Clos unstoppableLe Clos unstoppable Swimmer claims third world title Le Clos came close to breaking his own swimming world record at the world championships. South Africa''s world-class Chad le Clos bagged gold on day five of the 2016 FINA Short Course World Championships (25m) in Windsor on Saturday.

In the Men''s 50 butterfly final, Le Clos of South Africa flew away from the competition, posting the only sub-22 second swim of the night.

He flirted with his own championship record of 21.95, stopping the clock at a 21.98 to add a second gold to his collection.

The USA''s Tom Shields finished second overall with a time of 22.40, while Australia''s David Morgan grabbed the bronze with a time of 22.47.

This was the third world title for Le Clos here in Windsor, after his wins in the 100m fly and 200m fly; the South African star was also a silver medallist in the 200m free.

Anchored by a fast (20.46) Vladimir Morozov, the team of Russia got the first title of the evening, touching for gold (1:31.52) in the men''s 4x50m medley relay.

Already the best of the heats, the European quartet was faster than USA, silver medallist in 1:31.97.

The bronze went to Belarus in 1:32.49. This outcome is significantly different than the 2014 scenario, when this event was first contested at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m): in Doha (QAT), the quartet of Brazil (did not take part in Windsor) got the gold, followed by France (ninth of the heats here in Canada) and by USA.

Another easy win for Katinka Hosszu (HUN), this time in the women''s 200m IM, where the Magyar swam almost alone for the gold in 2:02.90.

The Hungarian great is the WR holder in this event, thanks to her victory in Doha 2014, in a time of 2:01.86. It was the sixth gold medal for Hosszu here in Windsor and once more an additional proof of her incredible versatility.

The minor medals went to the two US representatives in the decisive race, Ella Eastin (silver in 2:05.02) and Madisyn Cox (bronze in 2:05.93).

NAMPA/ANA

Japan, US, Hungary win gold in wrestling worlds

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Japan, US, Hungary win gold in wrestling worldsJapan, US, Hungary win gold in wrestling worlds Japan, the United States and Hungary won gold medals at the world wrestling championships for non-Olympic events on Saturday.

Mayu Mukaida of Japan triumphed in the women''s 55kg category final, beating Irina Ologonova of Russia with a technical fall. The bronze went to Aiym Abdildina of Kazakhstan and Otgontsetseg Davaasukh of Mongolia.

Logan Jeffery Stieber of the United States won the men''s 61kg freestyle event, with an 8-4 win over Beka Lomtadze of Georgia. Ahmednabi Gvarzatilov of Azerbaijan and Akhmed Chakaev of Russia shared the bronze. Balint Korpasi of Hungary won the men''s 71kg Greco-Roman final, nipping Daniel Cataraga of Moldova 2-1. Hasan Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Ilie Cojocari of Romania were joint third.

NAMPA/XINHUA

Trauco set for Flamengo move

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Trauco set for Flamengo moveTrauco set for Flamengo move Peru international defender Miguel Trauco has confirmed he is close to joining Brazilian giants Flamengo.

The 24-year-old left-back has agreed to terms with the Rio de Janeiro outfit and is expected to sign a contract on Sunday, according to Peru''s Libero newspaper.

“I am really excited, hoping that it will be confirmed,” said Trauco, who plays for Universitario de Deportes in Peru''s top flight.

“It will be an honour to play for one of the biggest teams in South America. One of my career goals is to have success at a big club like that.”

Capped 12 times for Peru''s national team, Trauco joined Universitario this year from Union Comercio.

NAMPA/XINHUA

Mokwena stars in Northern Cape upset

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Mokwena stars in Northern Cape upsetMokwena stars in Northern Cape upset Captain Abel Mokwena led from the front with his four wickets helping Northern Cape stun Northerns by five wickets on Day Two of the Momentum Under-13 Week in Cape Town on Saturday.

On a day of 50-over per side matches, the right-arm off break bowler took 4/19 in an excellent 10 over spell that helped bundle the opposition out for 112 in 36.2 overs at the Vineyard Cricket Ground.

Northern Cape then needed 40.5 of their overs to secure a memorable win with Regan Izaks hitting 22 and extras top scoring with 34.

Home favourites Western Province were also surprised when they went down to a 34-run loss to Easterns at the University of Cape Town Oval.

Adam Rosslee struck an unbeaten 43 as the visitors were bowled out for 191 in 49.1 overs. In reply, Province could only manage 157 all out, despite Nicholas Govender top-scoring in the game with 67.

Nathan Steyn was the pick of the bowlers with 3/17. In other matches, KwaZulu-Natal Inland fell to a three-wicket loss to Border after Layron Millborow starred with bat and ball at the Western Province Cricket Club.

The all-rounder first took 4/27 as KZNI were bowled out for 145, before he hit 22 not out to take the Border over the line with 14 balls to spare.

Elsewhere, Eastern Province ousted Limpopo by 96 runs, Gauteng beat North West by 115 runs and KZN were far too good for South Western Districts winning by nine wickets.

Finally, Boland secured a 39-run win over Mpumalanga and Free State eased past Zimbabwe by six wickets.



NAMPA / ANA

Young Gladiators beats Zimbabwe

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Young Gladiators beats ZimbabweYoung Gladiators beats Zimbabwe Team prepares for SA Memory Ngonda and Millicent Hikuam on Saturday scored the only goals of the game against Zimbabwe. The Young Gladiators got off to a great start at the bi-annual African Union Sport Council Region with Five Under-20 Games underway in Luanda, Angola when they defeated Zimbabwe 2-0.

According to Coach Bryan van Staden, the ladies gave a good account of themselves following a not so smooth way to the tournament.

“We didn’t have a very good welcome and also a good game, but I’m satisfied with the chances we created and the win means a lot to the team. The confidence of the ladies will be pumped up going into the next game on Monday” Van Staden says.

The Young Gladiators will take on South Africa next on Monday. South Africa trounced Angola 7-0 on Saturday as well.

“It is a round robin and we need to get the goals to win matches. It will be tough encounter against South Africa, because they have a lot of quality in their team, but our girls are fired up and know what to do on the day. It will be interesting indeed”, Van Staden said.

Namibian goalkeeper Mellissa Matheus won the Lady of the Match award, thanks to her goalkeeping heroics on the day.

“It was one of those days were I could see the balls coming and I was at my best. I hope it will continue on Monday and keep the South Africans out. I dedicate my award to coach Heribert Kapeng for having worked with me for over two years now. We are a great team”, Matheus said.

The Young Gladiators forming part of Team Namibia at the Games will take on host Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the round robin, as there are only four teams. The team with the most points will win the ladies football section of the Games.

The Young Gladiators squad vs Zimbabwe:

Mellissa Matheus ,Sharon Pieters, Asteria Angula, Julia Rutjindo, Memory Ngonda, Burnie Dennis, Millicent Hikuam, Kylie van Wyk, Kamunikire Tjituka and Beverly Uueziua and Lydiana Nanamus (captain).

Sports Reporter

Messi scores twice against Osasuna

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Messi scores twice against OsasunaMessi scores twice against Osasuna Leo Messi scored twice and set up Luis Suarez for Barcelona as they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win away to bottom of the table Osasuna on Saturday.

Although Barca missed enough first half chances to have sealed the win in the first 45 minutes, Messi''s quality was decisive after the break.

Osasuna had goalkeeper Nauzet Perez to thank for keeping the scores level at halftime.

He twice denied Messi when the striker was clean through and would have expected to score and he also went off his side quickly to force Suarez into shooting wide.

Barca controlled nearly all of the possession, enjoying 75 percent of the ball, but was guilty of wasting chance after chance. As well as Messi''s two misses, Suarez hit the post from 10 yards out, while Samuel Umtiti was unable to keep a header down and Andres Iniesta saw a shot drift just wide.

Barca had 12 shots in the first 45 minutes, while all Osasuna could muster was a smart pass from Miguel de las Cuevas which former Barca youngster, Oriol Riera was unable to get a foot to.

The second half kicked off with Sergio Leon almost giving Osasuna a shock lead when his twisting run ended with a chipped shot which hit the bar and bounced to safety.

Barca finally opened the scoring in the 59th minute when Messi worked the ball left for Jordi Alba to leave Suarez with a simple tap in.

Alba was the provider in the 67th minute when he again found space on the left and pulled the ball back for Messi to hit a scuffed shot past Nauzet.

It looked to be game over, but Osasuna called on their pride and Ter Stegen had to tip an Alex Belenguer effort over his bar before Messi scored his second of the game with a twisting run and a cheeky shot into the far corner of the goal to make it 3-0.

NAMPA/XINHUA

This ref loves the game

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This ref loves the gameThis ref loves the game Tsabalala says boxing is part of him Ricky Tsbalala believes that fitness in the ring can make or break a man officiating a boxing bout. Well-known in the boxing circles, referee/judge Ricky Tshabalala says despite refereeing being risky at times, he is still passionate about what he does.

Speaking to Namibian Sun recently, Tshababala said there is always a good chance that a referee can receive a punch from a boxer.

“Being a referee is a big risk, because you can be punched at times so as a referee you must always know how control the fight and ensure that you are protected and also look out for the safety of the boxer,” he said.

Tsabalala narrated how he was punched during a fight he was refereeing in Omuthiya in 2012.

“I was once punched, almost out but I controlled the fight very well and also controlled myself, because I received a very hard punch in my stomach but I did not show that the boxer hit me and continued with my job,” he said.

He mentioned it is important that the referee is also fit and receives refereeing training.

“As a referee one needs to be fit and have a very good focus and you also needs some fitness training because you will be moving around in the ring so there is a need of high concentration,” he said.

Also being a judge, Tshabalala stated that when one is judging, “you do not need to take any boxer''s side.”

“You first need to make sure that you are not on any boxer''s side so that you can make some judgements and be able to watch the clear punches, clear body punches and head punches, and always score the clear punches only,” he said.

He explained that a boxer picks more points from the body and head punches and not punches that lends on the hands.



Background

Growing up in Arandis, Tshabalala started boxing in 1984 and retired as a boxer in 1994.

“After independence and at my age, I thought it is the right time to retire from boxing and because I already had the experience, I thought let me not stop because I love boxing and it''s a sport close to my heart so that is why I turned to refereeing,” he said.

He explained that before joining professional boxing refereeing he was first an amateur referee.

“I was a former boxer, a former national champion so that is how I learned boxing and I started being a referee in 2004.

“I went for the WBO refereeing course in 2007 but my first training was in 2004 for the professional,” he said.

Although only involved in boxing as a referee, he also trains for his fitness.

“Right now I only go for fitness training but I do not train anyone because it is not allowed if you are a referee to train boxers,” he said.

Tshabalala also mentioned that he is happy with the progress being made in boxing.

“Boxing in the country is growing, so we also need more referees and judges to go for training so that we can have a lot of them in the country.

“If we do the right thing then boxing in the country can thrive but if we are not then we will not go anywhere,” he said.

The referee/judge also took time to congratulate Namibia''s new world champion Julius ''Blue Machine'' Indongo.

He was pleased with how Indongo executed his punch that is still all the talk in boxing circles.

“He caught him very well and the good thing is he made sure they do not go as far as 12 rounds. I am happy and proud of what he has done.

“Julius must proceed like that and not think he is there yet because now he that is a world champion must work even harder,” he said.



KAINO NGHITONGO

Coaches welcome NFA Cup

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Coaches welcome NFA CupCoaches welcome NFA Cup Namibian coaches this on Friday expressed joy in the announcement of the new DebMarine Namibia Cup.

Namibian diamond company DebMarine came to the rescue of Namibian football when they announced their sponsorship for the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup for the next three years.

The diamond company announced on Thursday that they will be sponsoring the competition to the tune of N$14.1 million, with a commitment of N$4.7 million to the Cup.

Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs could not hide his excitement over the new company that came on board.

In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun Jacobs said, “This is something great for Namibian football and I would like to congratulate both the NFA and DebMarine for making such an important deal.

“I would however like to warn the NFA not to misuse the money given that the lives of many people depend on it.

“The best thing the NFA can do at the moment is to invite all stakeholders in order to pave the way forward.

“To be honest, there are still so many things that have to be fixed despite the fact that a sponsor came on board,” Jacobs noted. The coach further added that all football clubs must unite in order to raise the standards of the adored game.

He believes that the only way that things can change in the country is when transparency begins to take place in the beautiful game.

“It has been a very sad time that football has been so dry in such a long time, so let us make this opportunity worthwhile,” he reiterated.

His counterpart, award-winning Tigers coach Brian Isaacs also shared the same views, stating that it was about time that things get back to normal.

The coach feels that a sponsor coming on board for the competition will ignite Namibian football and bring back the lost trust between corporate Namibia and the football fraternity.

“The news came as a surprise to many, but we are grateful that something of this nature finally happened.

“My advice will be that football leaders must take this seriously and make sure that everything goes well.

“I believe that most players are happy with what happened given that football was almost a hopeless sport to follow in the country,” Isaacs said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

2016, the year that was

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2016, the year that was2016, the year that was It''s a wrap for the Sport Wrap pages that brought you exciting local, regional and international news every Monday.

Firstly, let me honour all the sportsmen and -women who worked tirelessly to achieve what they achieved in this year. It was not an easy one for most of the athletes and definitely not for Namibian sports, but in spite of all the circumstances we were faced with, we can stand high and say WELL DONE to the Namibian sportsmen and -women.

The year started off on a slow pace in sports, as most of us focused on who will make it to the world showpiece, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a journey that was rough here and there, especially for the able-bodied athletes as we were all hoping to be well represented… but things did not go as we wished.

In football we didn''t expect much as we all knew that the early-year competition (NFA Cup) was not going to take place but we waited eagerly to see our mighty Brave Warriors defend their Cosafa Cup at home.

The cricket boys were probably the shining team in the cricket fraternity when they ended seventh at the world cup this year.

And then, the hockey girls also managed to beat South Africa in their own backyard. A team that is the powerhouse of hockey in Africa.

This is just a recap of what I am referring to when I talk about the year 2016, but before I go further to praise all our sports people, let me not take away the shine from our U-17s who won the U-17 Cosafa Cup this year.

What the young players emulated at that competition is an indication that we are heading in the right direction and soon we will be a force to be reckoned with in football.

There are so many great achievements I cannot finish pointing out, but bottom line is we are wrapping up this year with a great sport history.

I know the funding issue has not come easy in sports and it is really sad that even the ministry of sports has to put on hold some of its projects, because there is no money. However, despite such a situation I must applaud the different sport codes that made sure that they have their activities running and who continued to look for sponsorship.

We have also had some great sport stories, and I am pointing out a specific story “From Dust to Gold” a story that caught a lot of people''s attention and empathised with where our very own gold medallist Ananias Shikongo lives.

As much as journalists are blamed for everything that is published, those in sports have once again shown that we are able to change societies with the stories we write.

Being awarded as the top and first female sports journalist in print this year has also triggered a sense of determination and hard work in myself and to inspire more females to take up this male-dominated field.

Let''s celebrate what we have achieved this year, and learn much from our down falls.

Julius Indongo has brought us so much excitement so let his achievement of winning two world titles be the reason why we are celebrating the little that sport was able to produce this year.

Let us look ahead of 2017 and hope for the best and start the year with a spirit of working together and a spirit of winning.

What we have achieved in just this year alone, should serve as a wake-up call, either to show us that we need more action in sports to produce the best, or to tell us that we have the potential and just need to nurture such and we will be the shining stars.

I know I do not like how some things were handled this year, but we can''t mourn about what we wanted to achieve which never worked out, but look forward to what is next.

Let next year be another exciting year of sports, and hopefully our leaders will rescue us in this financial crisis that has hit us so hard.

I thank you all for your support and time in reading Sport Wrap. It was an exciting year from us and until we meet again next year, it''s BYE for now.



kaino@namibiansun.com

Looser wins Desert Dash

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Looser wins Desert DashLooser wins Desert Dash Robisch impressed on her own Brave men and women cycled through the Namib Desert from Windhoek to Swakopmund in the annual gruelling Nedbank Desert Dash over the weekend. Switzerland’s Konny Looser won the solo riders’ male category while Germany’s Rebecca Robisch scooped the solo rider female race this past weekend.

The Nedbank Desert Dash competition saw riders from all over the world competing for top honours as they cycled from Windhoek to Swakopmund through the Namib Desert in a 396-km, 24-hour race.

It was a matter of who had the stamina and will to complete one of the most intriguing cycling competitions. Riders battled a strong west wind and cold to get through the world’s oldest desert to the finish line.

Families gathered at the finish line cheering for their loved ones who made it through the titanic battle.

Emotions ran high as brave men and women paddled their way into the coastal town in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Looser who also won the competition last year clocked a time of 14h:37m:45s. while Rebecca Robisch finished in a time of 17h:18m:10s.

Looser was followed by German Andreas Seewald who clocked 14h:7m:45s, and Adele De La Rey of Namibia came behind Rebecca Robisch in a time of 18h:47m:28s.

Namibian Anri Parker came third 21h:31m:27s in the solo rider female category, whilst Jaco Davel of South Africa clocked 15h:42:19s to finish third in that category.

Results

Solo Riders Men

1) Konny Looser 14h:37m:45s.

2) Andreas Seewald 14h: 59m:21s.

3) Jaco Davel 15h:42:19s.

Solo Riders Women

1) Rebecca Robisch 17h:48m:10s.

2) Adele De La Rey 18h:47m:28s.

3) Anri Parker 21h:31m:27s.

Two Person Mixed Men

1) Tjipe Murangi and Max Knox 14h:52m:11s.

2) Liam de Klerk and Aiden van Niekerk 16h:04m:56s.

3) Robert Schaaf and Adriaan Louw 16h:13m:46s.

Two Persons Mixed

1) Nichol Jordaan and Jana Kruger 17h:40m:22s.

2) Nadine Visage and Axel Theissen 18h:33m:32s.

3) Gustav van Tromp and Sylvua van Tromp 19h:05m:43s.

Two Persons Women

1) Vera Adrian and Lisa Olivier 16h:56m:41s.

2) Johanita de Waal and Wilmien Chamberlain 18h:34m:27s.

3) Anneke Steenkamp and Maike Bochert 19h:10m:10s.

Four Persons Mixed Team

1) Kia Elite 14h:38m:10s.

2) Cycletec-PSG 15h:46m:42s.

3) Team FNB Vets 16h:03m:34s.

Four Persons Men

1) Laaities 14m:52m:48s.

2) Hollard Spoedricks 16m:26m:26s.

3) Blood Swear and Beers 16h:37m:04s.

Four Persons Women

1) Fantastic Four 18h:56m:50s.

2) Hubert-Schwartz Racing Team 21h:03m:19s.

3) Coast Busters 21h:43m:51s.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Church roof collapse in Nigeria, again

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Church roof collapse in Nigeria, againChurch roof collapse in Nigeria, again A church roof has collapsed in southeastern Nigeria causing "many deaths and injury" the country''s president said on Saturday, with state media reporting that up to 200 people could have been killed.

The evangelical Reigners Bible Ministry in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom state was packed with worshippers when the roof - which was still under construction - collapsed, local media said, with the state-run Nigerian News Agency saying "between 50 and 200" people could have been killed.

A rescue operation is under way, the report said.

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his condolences, telling "the governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State, the deep sorrow of his family, the government and the entire people of Nigeria over the many deaths and injury recorded following the incident," presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu said in a statement.

The governor of Akwa Ibom state, who was at the church but was not injured during the accident, said on his Facebook page late Saturday that "we have never had such a shocking incident in the history of our dear state."

In September 2015, 115 people including 84 South Africans, were killed in Lagos in the collapse of a church belonging to the famous televangelist TB Joshua.

NEWS24

SHOT OF THE DAY

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SHOT OF THE DAYSHOT OF THE DAY STANDING TOGETHER: A woman carries a bucket of fish that her fishermen neighbours gave her as a gift as she returns home from work in Punta de Araya, Sucre state, Venezuela. When times are hard, Venezuela''s capital city gets the lion''s share of resources and the provinces get less than ever. PHOTO: NAMPA/AP

It is an ever-increasing stench

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It is an ever-increasing stenchIt is an ever-increasing stench Never before has there been a stronger case for an independent task force to investigate poaching in Namibia. Something is surely rotten in Denmark and the stench is becoming unbearable. The most recent report, that of the three missing alleged poachers in Etosha refers.

There are very ugly allegations being made as to what happened to these three men and while the public at large have shown only disdain for their disappearance as they are alleged to have been in the park poaching, questions still need to be answered.

A highly-skilled task force, locally sourced, has been working on rhino and elephant poaching since its upsurge. The problem is, the poachers always seem to be one step ahead. When someone is arrested, it is a fall guy. The one who pulled the trigger or transported the contraband. The questions are though, for whom was he doing so and where was the contraband going?

It is not rocket science people. If you were in possession of poached ivory or rhino horn, would you know who to contact to dispose of it? Most would not. Hence, people do not just go into national parks or conservation areas and poach animals hoping they will be able to sell the products. No, they are instructed to do with, with a valid ''order'' for the goods. Payment is agreed upon beforehand.

Many of these have been caught and yet, we cannot get any higher. Who is in charge? Who is giving the instructions?

Allegations have been made that there is a link between Sergeant Pendapala Iitula''s transfer from Outjo and the case of the three missing men in Etosha. This should be investigated and soonest.

There have been countless reports and quiet discussions of powerful people responsible for the poaching in Namibia and this makes sense because networks must be established. And most certainly, the shooter who generally lives in a shack and struggles to make ends meet, is not the one to set these up. An independent body should be able to, without fear or favour, launch a probe and get us answers. The rot is becoming unbearable for us ordinary folk.

Pioneering ‘green’ gold

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Pioneering ‘green’ goldPioneering ‘green’ gold One mine is changing its legacy B2Gold Namibia is a pioneer in what could be termed ‘green mining’ with first-ever initiatives to mitigate its environmental impacts. The reputation of miners as ruthless and guilt-free environmental pariahs is being transformed single-handedly by B2Gold Namibia through its commitment to broad and long-term environmental initiatives.

Apart from a core focus on mining and a strict adherence to environmental management plans at the Otjikoto mining site in the Otjozondjupa Region, another focal point is putting in place long-term environmental and educational support systems that will outweigh the harmful impact of B2Gold Namibia’s activities in the area they are mining.

Mining companies often proclaim that apart from adhering to strict environmental management of the areas in which they mine, they will ensure that post mining rehabilitation will return an area to its natural state.

“You can’t return it back to its natural state. The impact is going to be long lasting and we can’t get away from that,” Mark Dawe, B2Gold Namibia’s managing director, told Namibian Sun.

In line with this, one of B2Gold’s key social responsibility programmes is geared towards environmental conservation, with the goal of ploughing back into the sector in such a way that the damage done to the environment by mining activities is offset in manifold ways.

Another key aim is to promote these strategies among other industry players who impact the environment.

“You have to realise that as a miner you are in the business of damaging the environment, and you have to look yourself in the mirror every morning and ask yourself whether or not you are able to offset that in any way,” Dawe said.

Partners

Charles Loots, general manager at B2Gold Namibia said that ultimately the input by the mine, or any company that impacts the environment, should “far outweigh the negative impact” of mining activities.

A brainchild of B2Gold, the company was instrumental in the launch earlier this year of the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE), a unique umbrella body that seeks to promote collaboration in the environmental sector and help to shape the way forward in terms of research and policy and to conserve and protect the natural environment.

Careful to avoid any accusations of conflict of interest, as the NCE will depend on sponsors from various sectors, a constitution was drawn up that ensures the body can operate independently.

The NCE will also act as a one-stop shop that could help industries and governmental organisations receive top-notch advice on matters relating to environmental investment and best practice.

“You have all these specialists that work in isolation and there is no organisation that really pulls them all together, providing coordination and financial support where it is needed,” Loots explained.

With the launch of the NCE, with renowned environmental scientist Chris Brown at the helm, B2Gold Namibia hopes that NCE will inspire industry players to use the platform to help advise not only on best practice but also to help them identify worthy environmental projects that require support.

Considering that the mining industry has always been seen as the “bad guys, and are now actually facilitating the birth of something like the NCE, is an impressive paradigm shift. And I think Namibia might be the first country in the world that is doing this,” Loots added.

He said that the NCE can act as a significant beacon, pointing industry in a direction that could help them get on board with a “far more open and progressive approach to involving themselves with the environment and the environmental sector.”

Moreover, the NCE will be able to follow-up on progress, something many in the industry don’t have the capacity to do, often causing frustration and disappointment.

One of B2Gold’s goals is to help encourage industry to move past mere compliance, and the NCE can help with that shift by providing advice among other support.

Future

Loots explained that at the outset, before mining activities commenced, a stakeholders’ needs analysis was conducted in the region. Speaking to local communities, leaders, town councils, the four primary issues that the community highlighted were health, education, livelihood and environmental conservation.

“We didn’t expect conservation, but it came through quite strongly.”

While B2Gold was developing the mine, the company decided to construct an educational and meeting venue on another portion of the 20 000-hectare area of acquired farmland.

The Otjikoto Environmental and Education Centre, set within a 7 000-hectare game-fenced portion of the area, offers visitors a variety of game and bird species. Situated among indigenous trees in front of a circular communal fireplace and a near-by water hole, the crescent-shaped lapa accentuates the peaceful setting and offers an ideal venue for events and educational school camps.

The centre offers children an educational adventure that allows them to experience the practical aspects of theoretical learning they receive at schools, and in addition, places them in a natural environment populated by indigenous plants and animals.

More than 90% of the children hail from disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to experience the wilderness for which Namibia is well-known internationally.

According to Dawe, the aim is to invite as many kids as possible during the year, where they can take part in nature hikes, team building exercises, story time around the fire pit, fun science lessons and a visit to the nearby Otjikoto mine among other activities.

“The link to education with kids is probably the most instrumental and most rewarding aspect of the education centre, because despite the fact that Namibia is full of wildlife, kids from this area, many from a disadvantaged community, have never seen wildlife. It is such an incredible experience for them,” Dawe said.

The experience does not only change perceptions, but could turn the key to environmental awareness in each child which they will carry into adulthood and future positions of leadership an influence.

When they leave, “it has been impressed upon them that the conservation of the amazing landscape, the fauna and flora of this country, is absolute paramount,” Dawe said.

André Rousseau, the education coordinator at the centre says that the visit takes kids out of the classroom, away from their phones, and places them into the centre of nature. The goal is to teach kids that nature is a part of them and not something separate.

He said the experience contributes to a broadening of horizons. “Education isn’t just about teaching. It is also about exposing and mentoring,” he explained.

He said that before a group of learners arrive, the centre liaises with teachers in order to create a custom programme specifically designed to enhance current needs and priorities of the children.

Looking forward

The B2Gold Namibia executives who spoke to Namibian Sun made it clear that the company intends to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, as well as change perceptions of the industry as a whole. But serious reflection is required.

“If you dig a hole in the ground, you know you are going to damage and destroy that little bit of earth. But if you are employing and educating people, and there is an organisation such as NCE that can continue after the mine is closed, then you are really adding value to the community and the environment far beyond that very localised area that you are damaging,” Loots said.

Dawe also underscored the fact that large industry plays a critical role in countries, contributing enormous amounts in taxation, foreign income earnings and royalties among other fees, in addition to employment creation and other benefits.

And yet, if industry takes an active interest in giving back in manifold ways into various sectors such as education and the environment then “you can honestly say to yourself as a miner, because I was here the country is so much better off.”

JANA-MARI SMITH

Capital to expect water-shedding

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Capital to expect water-sheddingCapital to expect water-shedding The City of Windhoek has introduced emergency water supply measures that will be implemented during this holiday and will result in a reduced water supply of about 10% of the demand being transferred from the Von Bach Dam.

The emergency measures that will be implemented from the middle of December onwards until the end of January will not only affect Windhoek residents, but also consumers in the greater Brakwater area.

The City said that the persistent drought has caused the near depletion of all available water resources for Windhoek from NamWater.

According to a public notice issued by the City due to the reduced supply of potable water from Von Bach to Windhoek, water supply interruptions and loss of pressure can be expected for certain periods during the day from mid-December onwards.

NamWater is aiming to match “live supply” to peak draw-off times and transfer times from the Von Bach have been scheduled from 04:00 to 09:00, 11:00 to 14:24 and 16:00 to 21:00.

This pumping regime is scheduled to prevail until the end of January whereafter the pumping time is expected to be further reduced if no significant inflow has been measured into the Von Bach Dam.

The City also urged affected consumers to provide onsite water storage but added that this should not exceed a period of 49 hours to ensure the minimum water quality criteria.

Despite some parts of the country that have received very good rainfall, Namibia''s dams remain at extremely low levels.

According to the latest dam bulletin the total of all the country''s reservoirs are currently only 23% full while in the central area dams are at a mere 5.8% - with no inflow recorded this entire season.

The three dams that make up the supply system of the central area of Namibia are as follows- the Omatako Dam is empty, the Swakoppoort Dam is at 6.2% of its capacity and the Von Bach Dam is at 10.4%. The Von Bach Dam is currently the only dam supplying water to Windhoek. Most of the available water is in the form of sludge.

In other regions such as the south where Namibia''s two largest reservoirs are based the total of the dams are 32.2%. This is in comparison to last year when the total stood at 45.1%.

Currently the Hardap Dam is only 23.5 % full and Naute Dam is 71.6% full.

The dams in the area of Gobabis are in total only 19.3 of the capacity, while at the same time last year it was 33%.



ELLANIE SMIT

Court to pronounce itself on Rehoboth land

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Court to pronounce itself on Rehoboth landCourt to pronounce itself on Rehoboth land High Court Judge Collins Parker will give his verdict on whether Baster Kaptein John McNab has the jurisdiction to allocate erven in Rehoboth under the Paternal Laws that are still in force today.

The longstanding court challenge brought by the Rehoboth town council against McNab, the Rehoboth Baster Gemeente (RBG), United People’s Movement (UPM) national secretary Jan van Wyk, and Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga of the Namibian Police continued last week before Parker.

The town council in 2014 brought an application on an urgent basis to stop what it called illegal allocation of plots by McNab in the town.

It sought an order from the High Court to stop the RBG, McNab and Van Wyk from surveying, petitioning and allocating close to 190 plots in the area falling under the Rehoboth town.

The municipality argued that it is the only authority that can allocate land within the boundaries of the town.

Justice Harald Geier on 16 May 2014 granted an interim relief to the council in which McNab, RBG and Van Wyk were prohibited from allocating plots. The case was then postponed until 17 June 2014 but was protracted after Hewat Beukes brought applications for joinder and a recusal of Geier from the case. Beukes later withdrew these applications.

Louis Botes of the Agenbach Legal Practitioners & Mediators representing the RBG, McNab and Van Wyk last week argued that a special council meeting called on 1 April 2014 that purportedly resolved to seek a court order against the three respondents was illegal and of no consequence.

Botes further argued that the municipality in its founding application did not prove its right as the only entity that may allocate land within the town.

He said if the relief sought by the municipality is granted it will impermissibly and unconstitutionally infringe with private proprietary rights, as well as the recognised and constitutionally accepted Paternal Laws, culture, tradition and customary law of the RBG.

Botes said the municipality also failed to make out a case on admissible and credible evidence.

Catherine Sasman
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