NASP trains instructors

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nedbank finances Dunes Mall

≪ Previous: NRU's GM post under scrutiny

$

0

0

NASP trains instructors Eight members of the National Archery Schools Programme (NASP) have received basic archery instructors' certificates after passing their examinations.

NASP secretary Karola Woortman said the organisation wanted to expand its services to all schools in Namibia this year.

“We would like to have NASP in all regions of Namibia as part of our vision to send a team of 16 archers to Canada in 2018 for the NASP World Championship,” she said.

Woortman added that instructors were taught the basics of teaching children the correct archery techniques in a safe environment, as well as to have a positive attitude as they might represent the country at major international competitions in future.

“We have excellent recurve archers who are being trained for the Youth Olympics in 2018 and these are prospective candidates for 2020 too,” she said. The success of the archers representing the country at the Olympics would depend on proper planning and exposure to international competitions even though funding was still a challenge, she said. The instructors who received basic archery instructors' certificates are Renier Els, Dehandrie Labuschagne, Joubert Snyman, Gabriel Nshwyepa and Paige Tawse.

Basic archery instructor trainers' certificates went to Quintin Kruger, Lukas Els and Chantelle Els.

The next training for new instructors will takes place at Gobabis on 19 February. Woortman said the African All Stars Championships would be held in Windhoek in July.

“We are proud to announce that all possible nine teams that will take part have confirmed their attendance,” she said.

The teams will be from Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.



NAMPA

---

Nedbank finances Dunes Mall

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: China to restructure economy

≪ Previous: NASP trains instructors

$

0

0

Nedbank finances Dunes MallNew shopping mall at the coast Anchor tenants of the Walvis Bay mall will include South African retailers Edgars, Woolworths and Checkers. Nedbank Namibia has secured yet another milestone deal, financing the Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay.

The Dunes Mall development is located on the main street and will offer 27 000 square metres of retail space. The shopping centre will feature service and promotional areas as well as an entertainment court and a fashion mall. Its anchor tenants include South African retailers Edgars, Woolworths and Checkers. It is expected to yield good results in the years to come due to the rapid development in the area, as well as rising consumer demand in one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

“There is a growing retail opportunities trend predicted for Africa between now and 2040 and we are pleased to partner with Atterbury - a developer with a solid track record for retail property - in Namibia. “This partnership is an opportunity for us to offer our clients expertise and knowledge as the market leader in the commercial property finance industry,” said Christo Kruger, head of property finance at Nedbank.

Walvis Bay is known for its deep-water harbour, which offers an efficient and economical option for cargo shipment between the African, European and American markets. The Walvis Bay Corridor consists of a network of transport corridors linking Namibia with other southern African countries. It includes the Port of Walvis Bay, Trans-Caprivi Corridor, Trans-Kalahari Corridor and the Trans-Cunene Corridor.

The new retail site is located directly east of the Walvis Bay traffic circle, along the C14 Road towards the Walvis Bay airport. “The site is ideal for retail development due to its location in a very accessible area, primed as a gateway to the town centre of Walvis Bay. The site is central to sea-based industries such as fishing and harbour-based economic activity that has contributed to the town's gradual growth,” said Kruger. While 2016 is expected to be a difficult year for many African economies, positive sentiment around the continent's future prospects remains.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to be a new growth frontier. According to the AT Kearney's 2015 Global Retail Development Index, sub-Saharan Africa will be the big story by 2040,” said Kruger.

“It's going to be a bumpy road getting there, but in another 30 years it could be the biggest, fastest, attractive, strongest, and most attractive region for retail in the world. “With its fast urbanisation, rising household income and growing middle class, Namibia – and the rest of the sub-Saharan African region - presents a good opportunity for retail property,” Kruger said.

STAFF REPORTER

China to restructure economy

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Gondwana welcomes new MD

≪ Previous: Nedbank finances Dunes Mall

$

0

0

China to restructure economy China's economy will remain stable and keep growing steadily while resisting protectionism, President Xi Jinping told Swiss executives on Monday.

“We are confident” Xi said, adding that there were headwinds facing the global economy, which is still weak.

“Overall China's economy is performing steadily. In 2016, last year, GDP is expected to grow by 6.7% on a year-on-year basis, and that means we met our set target, but that expectation according to some international institutions will be among the highest among major economies.

“Protectionism, populism and de-globalisation are on the rise. It's not good for closer economic cooperation globally,” he said.

Xi, on a state visit to Switzerland before a keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, said China's economy, with growth expected at 6.7%in 2016, was entering a “new normal”, and Swiss firms could help it improve quality, and become more efficient, equitable and sustainable.

“The restructuring of China's economy and the upgrading of our industries will generate huge new demand,” Xi said.

“In terms of intellectual manufacturing, finance, insurance, energy conservation, environmental protection, energy generation, electricity, food and medicine, Switzerland has advanced technology and expertise and could be a new partner for innovation for China.”

China owed its economic development to opening up, and Switzerland and China would work together to reject all forms of protectionism, he said.

“We will expand the openness of our service sector and general manufacturing industry to provide more investment opportunities for foreign businesses and create a sound legal and policy environment a legal playing field.”

NAMPA/REUTERS

Gondwana welcomes new MD

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Pushes for Consumer Protection Act

≪ Previous: China to restructure economy

$

0

0

Gondwana welcomes new MDManni Goldbeck passes the baton Gondwana Collection Namibia this week welcomed new managing director Gys Joubert, a lawyer by profession. Having steered the Gondwana ship for 21 years, Manni Goldbeck recently stepped down, leading to the appointment of new managing director Gys Joubert.

He started working in the position last Monday. Speaking about his appointment, Joubert says: “I am a passionate Namibian. I have a special love for my country, its environment and people.

“In my eyes, Gondwana is a phenomenal brand in the Namibian market and Manni Goldbeck, founder and MD for the past 21 years, is an icon in the tourism industry.

“In this light, it is extremely humbling and a massive honour for me to take on this position. I'm very glad, however, to say that I don't have to fill Manni's shoes, I'll find my own individual path. And as Manni will remain with the company as the brand and marketing director, I will have the honour and the privilege of his guidance, as well as the guidance and support of the rest of the Gondwana team.”

Joubert holds two master's degrees in law.

He brings his professional expertise as an attorney into the company, as well as his ten years' experience in the banking world.

When he applied for the position of Gondwana's MD, he already had a taste of what he was getting himself into after having served on the board of directors for the past year.

“As I got to know the company better, I fell head over heels in love with it and its potential,” he says.

“My primary focus will be on growth, rather than change.

In fact, the value of the Gondwana brand, of the way we do things here, is vital to me. It's sacred.”

Joubert, 40 years of age, draws his strength from family and an active lifestyle.

He enjoys spending weekends on the family farm with his wife and three children and keeps fit with mountain biking and jogging, preferably in the wild expanses of Namibia.

STAFF REPORTER

Pushes for Consumer Protection Act

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: House price growth expected to slow down

≪ Previous: Gondwana welcomes new MD

$

0

0

Pushes for Consumer Protection ActNCCI welcomes tax amnesty The government has granted a tax amnesty starting from February 1, with penalties waived and interest reduced by 80%, provided that outstanding capital has been fully paid. The leadership of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI) Northern Branch last week welcomed a tax amnesty announced by the government and urged the authorities to speed up the adoption of a Consumer Protection Act.

The government has granted tax amnesty starting from February 1, with penalties waived and interest reduced by 80% provided that outstanding capital has been fully paid.

“We thank the government for such consideration and urge our members to honour their tax obligations.

The major source of revenue for the government of the Republic of Namibia is tax revenues. These revenues are used by the government to fund the development initiatives of the country such as the building of roads and other construction projects such as the maintenance of schools, hospitals and many more.

This revenue is collected from individuals, organisations and businesses.

We acknowledge that amnesty but we want to make it clear that we are all obliged to pay taxes,” the statement read.

NCCI branch chairman Tomas Koneka Iindji urged the government to accelerate the passing of a law that protects consumers, saying that such Act would empower consumers to lodge complaints about service providers and would promote ethical business practices.

Consumer protection covers a wide range of topics, including but not necessarily limited to product liability, privacy rights, unfair business practices, fraud, misrepresentation, and other consumer or business interactions.

“This act is pivotal for our development agenda in many ways. Among other things, the law will force service providers to explain their products and services better and vehemently protect the interests of the consumer.

“Consumer protection and consumer advocacy bring the intentions of the company and products together with the needs of the customers and the market that they are operating. Furthermore, consumer protection requires that companies provide detailed information about their products.

By understanding what is in products, how they were created, and what was used in them, companies can ensure that their products are safe,” Iindji said.

The Consumer Protection Act is tipped to promote a fair, accessible and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services; establish national norms and standards to ensure adequate consumer protection; give guidelines for improved standards of consumer information that will prohibit unfair marketing or other unfair business practices; encourage responsible consumer behaviour; and establish the National Consumer Commission.

STAFF REPORTER

House price growth expected to slow down

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Glasgow rout Tigers to reach quarter-finals

≪ Previous: Pushes for Consumer Protection Act

$

0

0

House price growth expected to slow down Property prices rebounded in the third quarter of 2016 as the FNB National Price Index recorded a 27% increase compared to the same quarter in 2015.

The growth was fuelled by price inflation in the central and coastal areas, as is seasonally expected during the third quarter.

“The movements were largely driven by higher prices in the upper segment - approximately 34% higher across the two regions - and faster-than-expected price inflation in the lower end, approximately 23% higher across the two regions,” says Daniel Kavishe, market research manager at FNB Namibia.

The Volume Index remained in negative territory for the 10th consecutive quarter, at -17% in the third quarter of 2016, as transaction demand staggered across the regions.

The narrative remains the same as the poor volume growth remains consistent with the weakening economy.

At the end of the third quarter the median price stood at N$900 000, 13% higher than prices last year. Notably, the highest median prices were recorded at Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Windhoek, which currently stand at N$1.2 million for the coastal towns and N$1.4 million for Windhoek.

Kavishe added, “We remain cautiously bearish about the property market, despite the price recovery during the third quarter.

The limited supply of stand-alone units has kept the prices elevated across most regions despite demand waning. W

e anticipate further weakness in demand in central Namibia, but improvements across the northern and coastal towns.”

Customers' prospects remain daunting as they wrestle with a higher inflationary environment and a rising interest-rate cycle. Wage growth remains low as business tries to contain costs with a constrained economic backdrop. Most developers in the central area have stated weaker demand caused by both tighter credit control conditions from financiers and a cautious view from consumers.

In the affordable income space, where demand is slated to be the highest, securing financing for the alternative building methods is pivotal in ensuring absorption into the property market.

These structures, once accredited for durability and tested for structural integrity, will add substantial supply to the market and will potentially cause prices to deflate further.

Looking forward, Kavishe estimated “house price growth to taper down to 10% at the end of 2016 with potential upper bound at 13%. The 12-month cumulative growth in volumes remains negative at -20% which poses downside risks to overall market demand which continues to soften.”

STAFF REPORTER

Glasgow rout Tigers to reach quarter-finals

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Rooney breaks United record

≪ Previous: House price growth expected to slow down

$

0

0

Glasgow rout Tigers to reach quarter-finals Glasgow humiliated Leicester 43-0 to reach the European Champions Cup rugby quarter-finals for the first time on Saturday as three-time winners Toulon sneaked into the last eight.

The Scottish club qualified as a best runner-up with second spot in Pool 1 on 19 points behind 2006 and 2008 champions Munster, who ensured a home quarter-final with 24 points thanks to a 22-10 win against Racing 92.

Glasgow had a bonus point secured by half-time at Welford Road after tries from winger Tommy Seymour, centre Mark Bennett, skipper Jonny Gray and a penalty try.

Flanker Ryan Wilson added a fifth try early in the second period, before lock Tim Swinson crossed for the sixth try. Kicker Finn Russell finished with 13 points.

For 2001 and 2002 champions Leicester, it was their heaviest defeat in the European Cup.

“It's a great end to the chapter, from where Scottish rugby started in professional rugby and where it is today,” said Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend.

Nineteen years ago, Glasgow shipped 90 points against Leicester at the same ground.

Munster saw off last season's runners-up Racing on the back of three tries from Simon Zebo, Ronan O'Mahony and Ian Keatley.

Racing, playing without star backs Dan Carter and Juan Imhoff, finished the pool stage rock bottom on five points after winning just one of their six games.

Toulon also made the quarter-finals despite slipping to a 10-3 defeat at defending champions Saracens.

The French giants made sure of a last-eight spot when Welsh full-back Leigh Halfpenny fired over a monster 50-metre penalty after 63 minutes to assure his team a losing bonus point in the Pool 3 game.

Toulon finished on 16 points, the same as Montpellier in Pool 4, but with a better points difference allowing them to grab qualification.

Saracens' only try came from winger Chris Ashton, who will join Toulon next season, with the win giving the English side a home quarter-final.

It was Saracens' 15th match unbeaten in Europe and the performance brought praise from coach Mark McCall who was missing a host of first-choice players such as England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola and George Kruis.

“Everyone knows who we are missing through injury, but for us to go toe-to-toe against an almost a full-strength side and show that effort, especially defensively, was extraordinary,” said Saracens coach Mark McCall.

In the other concluding Pool 3 game, Sale edged Scarlets 25-23 but their first win of the tournament was not enough to lift them off the bottom. Clermont, already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, launched a first-half blitz to overcome Exeter 48-26 in Pool 5 and take top seeding in the last eight.

The home side went on a five-try rampage in the first period, as they led 34-0, and added two more after the break.

However, Clermont's joy was tempered by French international centre Wesley Fofana suffering an Achilles tendon rupture which will rule him out of the Six Nations, which starts in two weeks' time.

The 29-year-old Fofana, who has 44 caps, suffered the injury late in the first half just after scoring one of his team's seven tries.

Clermont finished their pool campaign with 26 points after five wins.

As well as Fofana and a penalty try, Clermont triumphed through scores from Benjamin Kayser, Fijian winger Noa Nakaitaci, full-back Nick Abendanon, Peceli Yato and Alexandre Lapandry.

Exeter, to their credit, battled hard after the interval with four tries from James Short, Ollie Devoto, Olly Woodburn and Michele Campagnaro.

Bordeaux beat Ulster 26-22 in Saturday's other Pool 5 game in Belfast.

On Friday, three-time former champions Leinster, already assured of a spot in the knockout round, were held 24-24 by Castres in Pool 4.



NAMPA/AFP

Rooney breaks United record

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Tears flow as Chapecoense returns to action

≪ Previous: Glasgow rout Tigers to reach quarter-finals

$

0

0

Rooney breaks United recordMourinho wants United wins rather than Rooney records Jose Mourinho wants record-breaker Wayne Rooney to help Manchester United solve a familiar problem after they failed yet again to turn their dominance into three points in a battling a draw. Wayne Rooney became Manchester United's all-time leading scorer in dramatic fashion as his last-ditch wonder goal rescued a 1-1 draw at Stoke, while Pep Guardiola's problems mounted as Manchester City blew a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Saturday.

Rooney surpassed Bobby Charlton's tally of 249 goals for United when he struck with a superb effort deep into stoppage-time at the Britannia Stadium.

The 250th goal of Rooney's glittering United career was just the 31-year-old's fifth of a difficult season and came as a timely reminder of the striker's class after he was relegated to the role of a fringe player for long periods this term.

It was also much needed by United, who had fallen behind in the 19th minute when Juan Mata deflected Erik Pieters' shot into his own net.

Jose Mourinho sent on Rooney in the 67th minute and the England star, who had gone two games without a goal since equalling Charlton's record in an FA Cup win over Reading on January 7, wasted his first chance to make history when he headed wide from six yards.

But Rooney refused to be denied and, with Charlton watching from the stands, his magic moment arrived four minutes into stoppage-time when he curled a superb free-kick past Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant and into the top corner.

Rooney's gem extended United's unbeaten run in the league to 13 matches, but lost in the euphoria of his landmark strike was a disappointing result that leaves his team three points adrift of the top four.

“It means a hell of a lot. It is a great honour and I'm very proud,” said Rooney, who signed for United from Everton in 2004.

“It is not something I expected when I joined. The players who have played for this club have been world class.

“I'm proud to play for this club. To be all-time top goal scorer is a huge honour.”

Charlton saluted Rooney's achievement, saying: “I can honestly say I'm delighted for Wayne. He deserves his place in the history books.

“He is a true great for club and country.”

Mourinho added: “Before him the record belonged to a legend of English football. Now Wayne becomes a legend of Manchester United.”

At Eastlands, City took the lead in the 49th minute when Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris raced off his line in a failed bid to intercept Kevin de Bruyne's pass, allowing Leroy Sane to steer his shot into the empty net.

Lloris was culpable again five minutes later as the France international spilled Raheem Sterling's cross and De Bruyne punished the mistake with a simple finish.

But Dele Alli sparked Tottenham's revival with a close-range header in the 58th minute and, after Sterling had a penalty appeal controversially turned down, South Korea's Son Heung-Min swept home to complete the comeback in the 77th minute.



Major blow

It was another chastening experience for City boss Guardiola, who suffered the heaviest league defeat of his managerial career last weekend in a 4-0 loss at Everton.

Fifth placed City are languishing nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea, while second placed Tottenham lie six points behind the table toppers, who host Hull on Sunday.

Liverpool's title challenge suffered a major blow as lowly Swansea enjoyed a shock 3-2 victory at Anfield.

Fernando Llorente put Swansea ahead in the 48th minute when the Spanish striker punished poor defending from a corner to slot home from close-range.

Llorente struck again with a powerful header in the 52nd minute before Liverpool were given a lifeline by Roberto Firmino's header three minutes later.

Brazil forward Firmino netted again to draw Liverpool level with a fine finish in the 69th minute, but Gylfi Sigurdsson struck in the 74th minute after more sloppy play from the Reds rear guard.

Swansea had started the day at the bottom of the table, but their first ever league win at Anfield lifted them out of the relegation zone and condemned Liverpool, seven points behind Chelsea, to their first home league defeat for 12 months.

“The defending around all three goals wasn't good enough, 100 percent. Their third is a big mistake,” Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said.

Seamus Coleman's 87th minute strike gave Everton 1-0 win at Crystal Palace that plunged the hosts into the relegation zone.

Andy Carroll showed West Ham can thrive without want-away star Dimitri Payet as his brace inspired a 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough.

Sunderland slumped to the bottom of the table after a 2-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion, while Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Watford.



NAMPA/AFP

---

Tears flow as Chapecoense returns to action

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Kenya's bronze medallist wants to beat Semenya

≪ Previous: Rooney breaks United record

$

0

0

Tears flow as Chapecoense returns to actionEmotional day for fans at season opener It was a sad return to the pitch for the Chapecoense as thousands of fans gathered at the stadium to watch them play again after a horrific plane crash. Thousands of fans gathered under a blazing sun in southern Brazil on Saturday as Chapecoense played their first match since most of their players were killed in an air crash in Colombia in November.

The friendly against Palmeiras was the first game of the season for both sides but it was much more about symbolism and emotion than sport for a club looking to bounce back from one of football's great tragedies.

The game was halted in the 71st minute to allow fans to scream their now famous “Vamos Chape!” chant in tribute to the players and staff who perished in a plane crash in Colombia in November.

The Arena Conda stadium was adorned with thousands of hand-made origami in the shape of hearts and tsurus, birds that signify health, good fortune and long life.

One banner behind the goals read, “Eternal Champions, kit man to the president”, a reference to the many players and backroom staff who died.

The survivors and their relatives took centre stage before a ball was kicked, with Jackson Follman, the goalkeeper whose leg was amputated as a result of the crash, being presented with the Copa Sudamericana trophy in a tearful ceremony.

Follman was one of only six people to survive the crash, which came as the Chapecoense squad approached Medellin to play Atletico Nacional in November's Copa Sudamericana final.

The plane ran out of fuel and hit a mountainside, killing 71 people on board, many of them players, officials and reporters on their way to the game.

Chapecoense were awarded the Sudamericana title by CONMEBOL in December after the fixture was cancelled.

In an emotional ceremony, the wives of the dead players were given the medals their husbands would have received.

Follman, who was wheeled into the centre circle in his wheelchair, cried as he lifted the trophy, Chapecoense's first ever continental title.

The game that followed was hard fought but with a scorching sun overhead and both sides giving their squads their first run out of the season it was never more than a glamorous training match.

Palmeiras scored the opener after nine minutes when Raphael Veiga nipped in between hesitant defenders to score from just inside the box.

Douglas Grolli equalised for the home side five minutes later when he headed home a free kick from the left. Amaral gave Chapecoense the lead just minutes into the second half with a glancing header.

But Vitinho grabbed a late equaliser for Palmeiras with a spectacular left-foot shot from outside the box with 12 minutes left.

The ground was well short of its 20,000 capacity but those who did turn out said they hoped it was the start of a new era for the club.

“We couldn't not be here,” Sizelda Filipi, a fan who lives around 30 kms from the ground, said shortly before kick-off. “We'll get very emotional and then we'll move on. This is a restart.”

NAMPA/REUTERS

Kenya's bronze medallist wants to beat Semenya

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Hadwin fires rare 59 to grab US PGA lead

≪ Previous: Tears flow as Chapecoense returns to action

$

0

0

Kenya's bronze medallist wants to beat Semenya Rio Olympic women's 800m bronze medallist Margaret Nyairera of Kenya said on Saturday that her dream this year was to beat South Africa's Olympic champion, Caster Semenya.

Nyairera, 21, who won the world junior championship title in 2014 held in Eugene, USA, said she had already embarked on serious training in her quest to wrest the world title from the South African.

“The Olympic Games marked my first time to compete against her. It was a remarkable experience during which I learnt she was a better runner than which has forced me to go back to the drawing board to look for a formula to turn the tables,” Nyairera told Xinhua during the Kenya Prisons Service championships held in Nairobi.

Nyairera, who anchored her team to first position in the newly-introduced 4x2km cross country relays, said she took part in the event to build speed and endurance.

“Semenya has endurance and speed with a very powerful finishing kick and in order to beat her, one must out-match those traits,” she said.

She said one should never fear to compete against better runners, but they should strive to beat them.

Nyairera, who is currently Kenya's top two-lap runner, has trained her sights on this year's World Athletics Championships scheduled for August in London, but before that, she will compete in a series of races overseas.

In her first international competition, Nyairera won gold at the World Junior Championships and later competed at the 2015 World Championships where she didn't advance beyond the heats.

She won a bronze medal at the 2016 World Indoor Championships and later a bronze medal during the 2016 Olympic Games where she set a personal best time of 1:56.89.



NAMPA/XINHUA

Hadwin fires rare 59 to grab US PGA lead

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Street Mile to include disabled athletes

≪ Previous: Kenya's bronze medallist wants to beat Semenya

$

0

0

Hadwin fires rare 59 to grab US PGA lead Canada's Adam Hadwin became only the eighth golfer to shoot 59 over 18 holes at a US PGA Tour event, sinking 13 birdies in a bogey-free third round on Saturday at the CareerBuilder Challenge.

The 29-year-old from suburban Vancouver was one stroke off the tour record 58 fired last year by American Jim Furyk at the Travelers Championship.

It was the second US PGA Tour 59 in as many weeks, following American Justin Thomas firing 59 on the way to victory in the opening round at last week's Sony Open in Hawaii.

Asked to describe the round, Hadwin said, “Perfect, I guess. I got away with a few shots on the back. For whatever reason, I was making every putt I had.

“I haven't felt anything like it.”

Hadwin became only the second player from outside the United States to shoot a 59 in a US PGA event, after Australian Stuart Appleby at the 2010 Greenbrier Classic, and the PGA's first 59-er who has never won a PGA title.

“I was nervous,” Hadwin said. “It's exciting to get the nerves back and have a chance to be in contention again.” Hadwin birdied the second through seventh holes at par-72 LaQuinta Country Club, one of three courses used at the event, then made another at the ninth hole.

The Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan-born player began a run of five more birdies at the 11th hole and after a par at 16 sank a five-foot birdie putt at 17 to match the one-round birdie record set by Chip Beck in 1991.

“Once the putt rolled in on 17, that helped,” Hadwin said. “I knew all I had to do (for 59) was par the last.”

On 18, Hadwin put his approach into the greenside rough beyond the hole, then chipped the ball three feet past the cup and rolled in his tense final putt to join a historic group.

“I was nervous. I knew what was at stake,” Hadwin said. “The last thing you want to do is miss a 3-footer when you're shooting for 59.”

Hadwin managed only the fourth US PGA 59 on a par-72 course, the first since David Duval in 1999 at the nearby Palmer course, which was then among the layouts in the tournament's rotation.

The only other US PGA 59s on a par-72 course were by Beck in the third round in 1991 at Las Vegas and Al Geiberger, who made the first-ever 59 in the second round at Memphis in 1977. Hadwin, who shared 49th when the day began, leaped into the lead at 17-under par 199 for 54 holes, one stroke ahead of American Dominic Bozzelli. Hadwin opened with a 71 and fired a 69 Friday.

Hadwin's prior US PGA low round was 63 in the final round of the 2014 Shriners Hospitals Classic in Las Vegas. Crediting playing partner Colt Knost with keeping tensions light, Hadwin said having amateurs alongside as the tournament does also eased the pressure.

“Colt is great, very laid back,” Hadwin said. “And this atmosphere lends itself to low scores. Playing with the amateurs, you forget about what you're doing a little bit.

“It was a lot of fun.”

Bozzelli, like Hadwin seeking his first PGA title, fired a 69 Saturday on the Nicklaus course.

“I've been riding a hot putter these last couple days,” Bozzelli said. “When I've been getting in trouble, I've been doing a good job of getting out and scrambling all week.”

While 196th-ranked Hadwin stole the show, world number 321 Bozzelli had confidence about his quest for a breakthrough victory.

“I've been trying to get into this position for the last 15 or 20 years,” he said. “Excited to be here and looking forward to tomorrow.”





NAMPA/AFP

Street Mile to include disabled athletes

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Porte claims Tour Down Under

≪ Previous: Hadwin fires rare 59 to grab US PGA lead

$

0

0

Street Mile to include disabled athletes The fifth edition of the Erongo Power Save Street Mile in Omaruru in October will feature a Paralympic category inspired by Israel Kaulume, a disabled participant, last year.

The category T42-44 will enable disabled participants to compete in the street mile. Athletes in this category have single below-knee amputations or can walk with moderately reduced function in one or both legs.

Kauluma, who was the first disabled athlete to participate in the event, competed in the masters' category, hitting 11 minutes and 23 seconds in the 1.5km road race using a wheelchair.

“My office is engaging Athletics Namibia and the Paralympic Committee to make sure everything is done according to guidelines for Paralympic games,” Omaruru regional sports officer Bethold Karumendu told Nampa on Thursday.

Karumendu said many disabled people want to participate in the street mile but are hindered because of a lack of suitable wheelchairs.

“Many people with impairments are hidden; let's encourage them to participate in the race,” Karumendu said.

The T42-44 category will join the senior men and women's categories for people between 20 and 39 years old, junior men and women (ages 14-19), veteran men (ages 40-49), masters men and women (ages 50 and above), and boys and girls (ages 10-13).

The introduction of the Paralympic category brings along a number of challenges such as access to suitable wheelchairs, but Karumendu is confident that these challenges will be addressed.

Last year, the Erongo Power Save Street Mile attracted 947 participants backed by sponsorships from Shield Namibia through the Omaruru-based Erongo Powersave Wholesaler, the Ministry of Sport, Pasta Polana, Marathon Sugar, Windhoek Light, Coca-Cola and First National Bank.

Karumendu has already started approaching potential sponsors in preparation for this event, which has become an annual highlight for local runners.

NAMPA

Porte claims Tour Down Under

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: NFA opens transfer window

≪ Previous: Street Mile to include disabled athletes

$

0

0

Porte claims Tour Down Under Australia's Richie Porte won his first Tour Down Under after finishing safely in the peloton on the final 90-kilometre stage through the streets of Adelaide on Sunday.

Porte, who seized the ochre leader's jersey after the third stage, led the race from that point on and virtually assured himself of the title when he won his second stage on Saturday.

The Tasmanian took a lead of 48 seconds over Colombia's Esteban Chaves into the final stage and his BMC Racing team controlled the peloton throughout, ensuring there was no chance of a breakaway spoiling Porte's party.

The stage, 20 laps of an Adelaide street circuit, was won by Australia's Caleb Ewan in a mass sprint, with world champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia finishing second and Slovenia's Marko Kump third.

It was Ewan's fourth stage win of the week and confirmed his position as one of the rising stars of world sprinting.

However, the day belonged to Porte, who had finished second at the season-opening event the previous two years.

The 31-year-old's BMC Racing team is setting the Tasmanian up for this year's Tour de France and sent a strong team to Australia to support him in the opening World Tour event of the year.

He never looked like losing once he rode away from the field on the climb into Paracombe on Wednesday and then underlined his dominance when he did the same to win at the top of Willunga Hill on Saturday.

“The Tour Down Under was good for me this year, two hilltop finishes,” Porte said.

“It's just incredible to come here and win after being so close the past two years.

“After crashing in Rio and injuring myself quite nastily (where Porte broke his scapula) it wasn't too hard to be motivated for this race,” he said.

“I had a good break at the end of last season and have come back refreshed physically and mentally.

“To win this race means a hell of a lot.”

Ewan will also look to the big races in Europe after outsprinting the field four times this week.

Sagan tried to overpower the diminutive 22-year-old on Sunday but was unable to make an impression, finishing runner-up to the New South Welshman for the second time this week.

Ewan's Orica-Scott team has kept him away from the Grand Tours to enable him to develop, but he said he was ready for bigger challenges.

“It's great to get the season off to a good start, it really gets the momentum going to Europe,” he said.

“I'll probably have a bit of a break now and get ready for the European season.”

Belgium's Thomas De Gendt ensured he took the King of the Mountain title when he broke away from the peloton to claim the points on the 10th climb up Montefiore Hill, while Ewan took the sprint

jersey.

NAMPA/AFP

NFA opens transfer window

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Young boys are devoted to football

≪ Previous: Porte claims Tour Down Under

$

0

0

NFA opens transfer windowDebmarine Namibia Cup first-round draw held Action is around the corner for football players and fans, as the NFA has opened the transfer window while the first round of the cup tournament will be held early next month. With the local football season due to start with the 2017 DebMarine Namibia Cup next month, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) opens the players' registration, transfers and loans period today.

The NFA congress held on 3 December 2016 in Walvis Bay resolved to move the local football from February to November. It used to run from August to May.

“It is something monumental since it will be a first for us to have a calendar that starts in February to November and now we call upon clubs and players to fully participate in this first registration process,” said NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro

“We have the DebMarine Namibia Cup coming up and we need to have these players in and registered before we kick-off,” he explained.

He added that players' licences need to be endorsed by the NFA before any league matches kick off, and before the elimination rounds of the DebMarine Namibia Cup.

The DebMarine Namibia Cup elimination rounds will contested on 11, 12, 18, 19 and 25 February, with action taking place in all 14 regional second divisions as well as the three first divisions.

The draw for the DebMarine Namibia Cup Last-32 Round will be conducted on 15 February when the Namibia Premier League clubs join the fray.

Each club from the round of 32 will receive N$18 000 for preparations while the overall winners will walk away with N$500 000.

For registration indigenous players will need to complete the player registration and contract information forms and provide a signed contract between player and club, two recent passport photos, clearance or loan agreement from previous club, International Transfer Certificate if the player played abroad as well as a copy of a full birth certificate if the player is under-18 years old. Foreign players will in addition to the above need a work permit or visa.

“Only players' passes received on or before Wednesday 12:00 will be validated in order for the player to participate in the upcoming weekend matches,” Rukoro said.

The first player registration, loan and transfer period will close on 13 April.

Meanwhile, the draw for the first edition of the Debmarine Namibia Cup was held in Windhoek last week.

On Thursday the draw for the Khomas Second Division (KSD) teams was held, with top rivals in that division drawn against each other in the elimination rounds.

Khomasdal-based Young Ones were the only team that got a bye to the quarter-final of the elimination round of the KSD playoffs because the division has only 15 teams.

The elimination round will be held on the weekend of 10 to 12 February in the capital at venues to be announced in due course.



Full fixtures:

NUST FC vs Impala Chiefs FC

Rock Stone FC vs City Boys FC

Namib Colts vs Kingston Utd FC

Ongete Utd FC vs Golden Rivers FC

Namib Eagles FC vs Eleven Champions FC

Falcon FC vs Khomas Sport Tech

Afrika Rassap vs Java Java



Quarter-finals:

Young Ones vs Winner 1



- additional reporting NAMPA

SPORT REPORTER

Young boys are devoted to football

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Pacquiao willing to fight McGregor

≪ Previous: NFA opens transfer window

$

0

0

Young boys are devoted to football'We want to play for the national team one day' What to do after school is always the question for young boys in informal settlements, but a lot of them choose to play football. Street soccer can be risky for young ones who often do not have any places to go to and play football, but boys in the Okahandja Park informal settlement spotted a small open area under a tree to call their field.

Sport Wrap took to the streets of informal settlements to find out what young boys in those areas do after school.

Spotted putting together a ball was 12-year-old Paulus Miyenga, who said they play football to keep themselves busy.

He was quick to point out that their school works comes first before playing the game they love.

“We only play on weekends and less on weekdays because we also have to study and not just play football,” he said.

Miyenga was speaking on behalf of the other boys with him, saying that they want to play in the national team when they grow up.

“When we grow up, we want to play for the national team so we have to develop our skills from a young age,” he said.

The small group of boys not only play against each other but at times play against children from other informal settlements.

Despite being so passionate about football, the boys had to make their own ball as they do not have a proper ball. “We have to fix our own ball because we do not have a proper ball but even when we play with this ball it is still just fun,” Miyenga said.

In Otjomuise 7de Laan the boys all shouted, “We love soccer, that is why we play it every day.”

Indileni Johannes, also 12 years old, said football keeps them busy as being at home becomes boring.

“Not all of us have TVs at home so we just meet in the street to play football,” he said.

He said they are always on the lookout for cars and move out of the way when a car approaches.

Although some play in the hot sun, the boys from Okuryangava wait for sunset to play street football because it is cooler then. Some of the passionate young footballers will get better opportunities following the creation of the HopSol Youth league last week. The league targets players between nine and 19 years of age and will form football clubs at schools in less privileged areas.

KAINO NGHITONGO

---

Pacquiao willing to fight McGregor

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Busy 2017 for chess players

≪ Previous: Young boys are devoted to football

$

0

0

Pacquiao willing to fight McGregor WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao is willing to square up with mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor if his potential superfight with Floyd Mayweather fails to materialise, a spokesman said Sunday.

But the Filipino boxing hero-turned-senator stressed that any fight with McGregor would have to be a boxing bout, not an MMA contest.

“If McGregor will fight me in boxing, why not? But not in MMA. MMA is much different than boxing,” a spokesman quoted Pacquiao as saying a few days ago.

“The fight can be at the 140-pound weight division. My normal weight when I'm not on training is just 141 or 142 pounds,” he said.

Both Pacquiao, 38, and McGregor, 28, have been trying to lure the retired Mayweather back into the boxing ring.

For Pacquiao, it would be a chance to avenge his defeat to Mayweather at their long-awaited showdown in 2015.

Meanwhile Ireland's McGregor, the first man to simultaneously hold Ultimate Fighting Championship titles in two weight divisions, has floated the idea of taking on the undefeated Mayweather, 39.

In late November McGregor was issued a boxing licence in the state of California in a development that fuelled speculation about a future showdown with Mayweather.

Mayweather told ESPN's First Take programme that a McGregor bout was the only thing that could tempt him back into the ring.

UFC boss Dana White also added further fuel to the fire this month when he offered to pay each $25 million, along with a cut of pay-per-view precedes, to fight - an offer that Mayweather later batted down.

Pacquiao has previously parlayed his sporting fame into a career in politics, getting elected to the influential Philippine Senate last year while still continuing to box professionally.

The Filipino southpaw had briefly retired from the ring after beating American Tim Bradley in Las Vegas in April but soon made a comeback, saying he still felt like a youngster.

In his last fight in November, Pacquiao reclaimed the World Boxing Organization welterweight title for the third time with a unanimous-decision victory over former champion Jesse Vargas in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao has been engaged in on-going talks with his American promoter about a possible fight with Australian Jeff Horn later this year.

NAMPA/AFP

Busy 2017 for chess players

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Northern cyclists plead for safer roads

≪ Previous: Pacquiao willing to fight McGregor

$

0

0

Busy 2017 for chess players The game of chess has seen tremendous growth in Namibia in the last four years with more to come in future, says Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) president Otto Nakapunda.

Nakapunda says this is thanks to proper planning and the establishment of a league in 2013, which has led to the formation of clubs and academies.

“We started off with 10 teams in the league in 2013, now we have the premier league and the first division with 10 teams each.”

Nakapunda says the creation of the league has led to Namibia winning medals at regional and international events.

In 2015, Namibia brought back two medals, one gold and one silver, from the African Schools Individuals Championships in South Africa. Last year at the same championships in Zambia, Namibia won one gold and two silvers.

“We are no longer just participating, we are now competing,” he says, adding that they are doing all this despite financial challenges.

Nakapunda says like all sports codes in Namibia, they find it difficult to attract sponsors.

Things are looking up this year, however, as a number of companies have made financial commitments to run tournaments and projects.

A number of tournaments will take place. These include the African Schools Individuals Championships in Windhoek from 23 to 31 August.

Seminars will be held concurrently with national tournaments to teach more people chess.

Some tournaments will have new formats and will be used to select players to represent the country at various regional and international tournaments.

For the first time in Namibia, the NCF will also host a women's chess challenge.

“We already have a sponsor and the tournament will take place in the second half of the year,” Nakapunda says.

A junior league is also in the offing this year.

The NCF further wants to introduce chess in prisons and hospitals, as well as Braille chess for the blind, and veterans' chess.

“Chess can help rehabilitate people in correctional facilities and our veterans can pass the time playing chess. They will help pass the knowledge on to the younger ones,” he says.

The federation will introduce chess at more towns.

Nakapunda says they also want to develop chess terminology in local languages.

- NAMPA

MAQONDA NDLOVU

Northern cyclists plead for safer roads

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ndeilenga cherishes guiding Ishitile

≪ Previous: Busy 2017 for chess players

$

0

0

Northern cyclists plead for safer roadsLack of bikes hampers cycling development in the north Cycling is one of the most expensive sports and that is being felt by a northern cycling club that wants to develop the sport but doesn't have enough bikes. Cyclists from the northern towns have pleaded with truck and car drivers to share the road with them.

“We kindly ask drivers to please share the roads with cyclists and just give them the recommended space of 1.2 metres when passing them. It's much safer, and our cyclists train wearing uniforms and helmets,” says Salomo Ndeshimona, chairman and coach of Norte Youths Cycling Club.

“A helmet is a sign to show that such a cyclist respects traffic rules,” he says.

He adds that the club warns its members to be careful and ride in single file when in a group. “They give space when a truck passes, thus there is no need to sound your horn as that will confuse the cyclist and could lead to an accident.”

Ndeshimona says many local people are interested in cycling but they do not have bicycles.

“We are trying to secure second-hand mountain bikes as start-up so that upcoming youths may ride on these bikes, even though their interest is in road cycling.

“A lack of bikes discourages keen and aspiring youths who often ask to join this club, which has existed since 2008.

“Our fellow youths always ask if we have spare bikes, but we don't. This puts this beautiful sport in jeopardy, leaving youths to quench their sport thirst with alcohol, crime and other evil deeds, which is slowly destroying them,” he says.

Another challenge facing the northern cycling club is a space that they can use for training.

“We are also hampered by lack of space, especially sport grounds, where we can have a focal point to meet and train willing cyclists,” Ndeshimona says.

At the moment they operate from rented spaces and the homes of benefactors.

The club wants to increase its membership to 20 this year and is opening a centre for children aged eight to 16 at Outapi.

“Norte Youths Cycling Club has already established a similar centre at Omuthiya, called Omuthiya BMX Team, where we had the chance to participate in 2016 National Championship in Windhoek and I hope the Outapi centre will see us produce great cyclists as well.”

Ndeshimona says another aim is to reduce the incidence of obesity in Namibia.

“Cycling could be a remedy to many, as exercise on a bike burns more calories than in a gym.

“Thus we believe if funding could be secured, more people will be on bikes in northern Namibia in no time, as we plan to train more coaches in March when an NCF team visits our BMX centre.

“We have so far acquired coaching licences for our senior members, whereas I, the chairman, hold a level 1 international coaching licence. Five more have level 1 Namibian coaching licences,” he says.

Ndeshimona says the club is serious about cycling and appeals to the business community to assist them with bikes.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Ndeilenga cherishes guiding Ishitile

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Promote the importance of education

≪ Previous: Northern cyclists plead for safer roads

$

0

0

Ndeilenga cherishes guiding IshitileGuide hopes to assist more athletes Guiding visually impaired athletes is perceived as difficult but for David Ndeilenga, who has been a guide runner for about five years, it is his passion. “I am not only Lahja Ishitile's mentor but more like a big brother,” says David Ndeilenga's words as he describes his relationship with the Paralympic athlete.

Ndeilenga, who specialises in field events, has been a guide to Namibia's junior sportswoman of the year with disability for about five years now.

In an interview with Sport Wrap, Ndeilenga talks about his athletics career and that of being a guide runner.

“I started doing athletics while in high school at A Shipena Secondary School, when a teacher said to me that I had potential and could excel in sport.

“I started doing most of the events in athletics, that is track and field events, and in 2009 I went to Oshakati to upgrade my grade 10 points and that is where I was introduced to the Oshakati Athletics Club.

“There I was really inspired to take my athletics more seriously and that is where I met Ananias Shikongo and was helping him out with his training.”

There was a Cuban coach helping the team that was preparing for the 2012 Paralympic Games but there was no one that could help with coaching, so Ndeilenga took up the responsibility to coach as well as guide.

“In 2013, I received a call that there was an athlete who needed a guide and that was just two weeks before the world championships. I then agreed to take the role as Ishitile's guide, which was not easy since we only had two weeks to prepare and then go to the competition.

“After the world champs I said to myself that guiding is not difficult and looking at her and her background that she told me, I felt that I needed to assist since she was so passionate about running,” he says.



Relationship

To date, the pair have managed to win the Junior Sportswoman of the Year With Disability award for four conservative years.

“Our relationship is getting stronger and it seems like I am her mentor and I look at her as my little sister on and off track,” Ndeilenga says.

“When we're off the track, I constantly motivate her academic wise and tell her that she has to work hard because sport is not a life-long career.

“When we are on the track, she sometimes gets really stressed, especially when it is competition time, but I always tell her that we have to do it and that she said she wants to be a gold medallist one day so if you are like this then where will we go.”

He says it requires dedication and compassion to be a guide, as there are times when the athlete is not in a good mood and refuses to speak to the coach or any other teammate except the guide.

“I remember when it was time to go for the All-Africa Games, and then I was at training with the Correctional Service so I was not sure if they would release us and she said if I was not going then she was also not going. She felt that was the end of her career. She only trusts me, even when I told her that there would be someone to help her,” he says.

Going to the Paralympic Games last year was already a dream come true for Ndeilenga, and setting personal and regional records made it even more special, “because our dream is always to improve at every competition and I always tell her you can become the best in Africa and in the world”. “With Lahja, she has the potential and she is a person who can make Namibia proud and be another Johanna Benson,” he says.

The passionate athlete is now doing only field events but hopes to assist more T11 athletes.

“I feel that there are many other T11 athletes that I can help and I am still willing to help athletes and motivate more guides,” he said.

Ishitile is based in Ongwediva and Ndeilenga lives in Windhoek, which means that they do not get sufficient training time together.

“At least she is now in grade 10 and I know that she will make it because she is also very smart so after grade 10 she will finally move to Windhoek and we will get to train together more often,” he says.

Ndeilenga was born in Oshakati and grew up at Omunyekadi in the Ohangwena Region, where he attended primary school before moving to Windhoek.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Promote the importance of education

January 22, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ghana into quarters, while Uganda exit

≪ Previous: Ndeilenga cherishes guiding Ishitile

$

0

0

Promote the importance of education KAINO NGHITONGO

So much has been said about sport not being a lifelong career and that one has to take education seriously.

I can’t hide it but I was seriously chuffed by the young Lydiana Nanamus, whom I profiled last week, and how she improved her points from 28 to 39.

What the NFA women’s desk has been doing thus far to promote education in addition to playing football is worth acknowledging and I hope all sport codes can do so.

It is not always about being active on the field of play but also about excelling academically and that has to be the core message to youth clubs especially.

Being active in sport is great, but knowing that school comes first is important and we have to ensure that our young athletes perform in their sports as well as academically.

A lot of young people tend to neglect either their sport talent or the other way round, but it should not be that way, as we have to promote them both.

Looking at the current status of sports in this country, we also have be very careful that school work is the priority and sport comes second, not only because of the financial situation but because of what comes after playing football, for example.

We do not want to see all our young people that we once celebrated being on the streets without a job or doing something better for a living.

It is the responsibility of every administrator to make sure the young ones do not neglect their school work or their sport careers, and that during this tough situation we find ourselves in, one has to be given priority.

I believe that much as we are aiming to reach a certain level in sport, so should we do in fighting youth unemployment.

The school sports union should ensure that while promoting sport, their coaches also emphasise the importance of education to the athletes.

We have failed to realise that when these young ones do not make it in school, we lose so much of our talent if they are not sucked in by any club and we cannot go on like that.

Like I always say, sport has the power to uplift not only the economic but also social status of a country, we should then not forget about such powers in our everyday planning.

It is disheartening to have learned that the school that produced our Paralympic champions (Eluwa Special School) produced poor grade 10 results, and that too has an impact on our sport.

Our Paralympians from that school need not only support their sport but the school as well, as often they are the ones who struggle with employment.

Coaches of such athletes should wholeheartedly support and motivate such learners to put in an equal effort with their school work.

We have so much talent, in sport and school, but it all depends on the attitude towards the two. And that has to be from the athlete and the coach.

Centres that provide after-school sessions for learners deserve applause but what is sad is that they are not available in most parts of the country.

Children in the rural areas do not have access to all the opportunities that children in urban areas have and that continues to rob us of talent.

This is a crucial time for sport administrators to find ways to keep sport running, but also to ensure that young sportspeople give their best at school as the future of sport does not look so bright.

kaino@namibiansun.com