Bafana Bafana win comfortably

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Bafana Bafana win comfortablyRyan Moon fires SA past Botswana Bafana Bafana sent Botswana packing after they beat them 1-0 in the 2018 Chan qualifiers. South Africa edged out Botswana 1-0 in the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier Southern Zone second-leg match at the Moruleng Stadium on Saturday.

As a result, Bafana Bafana won 3-0 on aggregate and they will now meet either Zambia or Swaziland in the next round, while the Zebras bow out of the qualifying campaign.

Bafana Bafana got off to the best possible start as they broke the deadlock just 13 minutes into the encounter.

Sipho Mbule beautifully combined with Ryan Moon, who beat Botswana goalkeeper Mwampule Masule to make it 1-0 to South Africa.

The Kaizer Chiefs striker had also scored in the first-leg clash and he nearly doubled Bafana's lead in the 17th minute, but this time Masule denied him.

The hosts were dominating possession with Bafana's two frontmen Moon and Bonginkosi Ntuli keeping the Zebras defence very busy.

The Zebras defence which was marshalled by Simisani Mathumo was struggling to contain the Bafana attacker's midway through the first-half.

Moon should have made it 2-0 on the day and 4-0 on aggregate to South Africa towards the break.

However, the promising marksman's first touch let him down and the Zebras survived a scare.

Botswana managed to contain the hosts until match referee Osiase Koto, who hails from Lesotho, blew the halftime whistle with Bafana leading 1-0.

The hosts began the second-half brightly, but Township Rollers keeper Masule pulled off two good saves to deny Moon in the first 10 minutes of the second-half.

Botswana coach, David Bright had to find a way to unlock the Bafana defence and he made a change in the 66th minute - introducing Kabelo Seakanyeng.

Bafana suffered a blow ten minutes later as defender Mothobi Mvala went down injured and he was replaced by Sandile Mthethwa, as the Zebras pressed for the equalizer.

South Africa keeper Boafela Pule, who had a quiet first-half, had to be alert in the 83rd minute and he came out to gather a through pass before Botswana attackers could pounce.

Botswana striker Hendrick Moyo's effort narrowly missed the target in the closing stages of the match and ultimately, South Africa emerged 1-0 winners.

South Africa won the tie 3-0 on aggregate - having won 2-0 in the first-leg clash which was played in Francistown, Botswana last weekend.

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Blue Bulls beat Griquas in high-scoring thriller

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Blue Bulls beat Griquas in high-scoring thriller Griquas fought from the beginning to the end and made the Blue Bulls think, but the visitors eventually won 51-45 in Kimberley.

The hosts were competitive throughout the first half, but the Bulls took a six-point lead by the break at 26-20 having scored four tries and converted three. Griquas scored two converted tries and two penalties in the half with André Swarts successfully kicking everything.

The Blue Bulls opened the scoring with a try from Abongile Nonkontwana but the Griquas quickly responded with a try from Ederies Arendse. Piet van Zyl, who had a good game overall, scored next as he leapt over a few tackled players to ground the ball over the line.

Warrick Gelant gave away a penalty and the Bulls made a few handling errors as Griquas took the lead. The most damaging of these errors was a pass that was quickly intercepted by Enver Brandt, who raced past everyone to score the next try for the Griquas. The conversion and a penalty goal from Swarts pushed the Griquas' lead to eight points.

The Blue Bulls then played disciplined rugby for the rest of the half, with Jaco Visagie and Duncan Matthews scoring two brilliant tries and Tinus de Beer converting them.

The second half started with Griquas quickly taking back the lead in the game with a penalty goal from Swarts and a long range try from Christiaan Meyer. The Bulls were punished for their loose passes first by Brandt in the first half and then by Meyer in the second, both scoring tries.

The defining moment in the game was when the Griquas captain was shown a yellow card.

AJ Coertzen was sent to the sin bin for cynical play and the Bulls made the most of this chance. They increased the pace of the game and scored a penalty and two tries while the Griquas were a player short. Gelant scored the first try during this period and Andre Warner scored the second. Warner's try was one of the highlights of the game as the Bulls ran nice angles and at good pace before Warner cut inside Travis Ismaiel to score.

Griquas fought their way back with two important tries and the Blue Bulls looked like they were under pressure. Brandt's second try of the night was just as spectacular as the first one. He received the pass on the wing and accelerated past the Bulls defence to go all the way. The Griquas were in the lead, but Ismaiel's try ensured that the Bulls took their lead back and they went on to win the game.



Scorers:

Griquas

Tries: Ederies Arendse, Enver Brand, Christiaan Meyer and Jonathan Janse van Rensburg (2).

Conversions: Andre Swarts (2), George Whitehead (2).



Penalties: Andre Swarts (4).

Blue Bulls

Tries: Abongile Nonkontwana, Piet van Zyl, Jaco Visagie, Duncan Matthews, Warrick Gelant, Andre Warner, Travis Ismaiel



Conversions: Tinus de Beer (3), Joshua Stander (2)

Penalties: Tinus De Beer and Warrick Gelant.

Defending champs open with victory

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Defending champs open with victory The Toyota Free State Cheetahs ran in six tries to claim a 47-12 win (halftime 17-7) over the Cell C Sharks in the opening match of the 2017 Currie Cup at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday.

After a disappointing Super Rugby, the defending Currie Cup champion Cheetahs turned on the heat to down the KwaZulu Natal counterparts in an enterprising encounter.

In fairness to the Sharks, the majority of their first-choice players were on Super Rugby duty for Saturday's quarterfinal against the Lions, however the victory could be the tonic needed to spark the Free State side back to life after a tough start to the year.

Niel Marais opened the scoring with an early penalty, before flanker Uzair Cassiem crashed over for the game's opening try in the 12th minute.

The conversion from Marais was good, but the Sharks hit back shortly afterwards with a try from S'bura Sithole which was converted by Benhard Janse van Ransburg.

Cheetah's skipper Francois Venter scored a converted try in the 29th minute to extend the lead, before Cassiem was yellow carded in the 33rd minute.

The hosts headed into the sheds with the score reading 17-7 in their favour as Janse van Rensburg missed a shot at goal on the stroke of halftime.

Marais added two penalty goals soon after the break, before a try by replacement hooker, Reinach Venter, took Free State out to a 28-7 lead.

Four minutes later, the result was put beyond doubt as newly capped Springbok winger Raymond Rhule crossed the chalk for the Cheetahs bonus point try.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, the Cheetahs started running away with the game as William Small-Smith got on the score sheet - Marais successful with the boot this time after missing the previous two conversions.

Replacement Bandisa Ndlovu grabbed a consolation try near the death for the Sharks, before scrumhalf Zee Mkhabela came off the bench to score the Cheetahs' sixth and final try at the final whistle.

Clayton Blommetjies had the final say in the game, converting Mkhabela's try, as the 2016 Currie Cup champions opened their account with a resounding win over their Durban counterparts.



Scorers:

Free State - Tries: Uzair Cassiem, Francois Venter, Reinach Venter, Raymond Rhule, William Small-Smith and Zee Mkhabela.

Conversions: Niel Marais and Clayton Blommetjies (3)



Penalties: Niel Marais (3).

Sharks - Tries: S'bura Sithole and Bandisa Ndlovu

Conversions: Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

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Eulogy befitting a king

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Eulogy befitting a kingGeingob wants football match in honour of Robbie President Hage Geingob paid tribute to Brave Warriors super fan Robbie Savage using his Facebook page. Robbie Savage died after a two-month-long illness in the Katutura State Hospital. He was a diehard supporter of the national senior football team and would be seen travelling across borders with the players on many occasions.

“I would like to join all members of the Namibian sports fraternity and Namibians from all walks of life in paying tribute to a national icon, an evergreen and jovial personality, the one and only Robson 'Robbie' Savage, who sadly passed away in the early hours of July 20.

“I believe it is always best to do something for people while they are alive since it enables them to experience the joy of being valued and appreciated. I am glad that I have done much for Robbie while he was alive, picking him up and taking him under my wings,” the president said.

Geingob recalled his fondest memory of Robbie during the African Cup of Nations of 1998, hosted in Burkina Faso. “I took Robbie along to the tournament in the government plane and after I had informed him that he would be everywhere I went, he took on the role of my 'special assistant'.

“Robbie took my words so seriously that in one light-hearted incident, he walked in and sat next to me during a private conversation I was having with the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. I simply told my Burkinabe counterpart not to mind him. Later on after Robbie had settled in his hotel room, he asked the other group members in Afrikaans, 'Wanneer gaan ons dorp toe?' he had not realised the hotel was right in the centre of town. You see, Windhoek is a cosmopolitan city.”

He further said that in 2008, he again travelled with Robbie to the African Cup of Nations, “this time co-hosted by Ghana. Once again, in true mascot fashion, Robbie's evergreen spirit and colourful personality added a fun and entertaining element to our delegation.

“Namibian football has lost a mascot, an ardent, loyal and patriotic supporter, not only of the beautiful game, but of all Namibian sports codes. Robbie represented any Namibian sports team donning the national colours. His sports family are left with a void that cannot be filled.

“It is surprising to hear that many compatriots are suggesting he gets a state funeral. I think that the best send-off Robbie can receive will be a football match in his honour, where all Namibians can fill the stadium to capacity to give this son of the soil and number one sports mascot a fitting farewell.”

The president said that Robbie's family had lost a son, brother and an uncle and words failed to truly express their pain of mourning.

“Therefore, in times such as these, we turn to the words of our Creator. Isaiah 57:1-2 reads as follows, 'The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death'. “Robbie walked uprightly for Namibian sport and the Namibian nation as a whole. May he find rest as he lies in death, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Fit as a fiddle

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Fit as a fiddleMan hopes his cycling dream will come true The 32-year-old security officer has high hopes of becoming a professional cyclist in the near future. Sakaria Augustinus is determined to become a top cyclist one day.

The 32-year-old cycles to work every day and has set his sights on taking part in local competitions.

“I get up at 05:00, take a bath and cycle to work. Each day I do this. Sometimes it is very cold, but I need to get to work,” said Augustinus.

Born in Oshikuku in the Omusati Region, Augustinus who is employed as a security officer, moved to Windhoek in 2010 in search of greener pastures.

A father to three daughters, Augustinus uses his meagre pay to provide for his family and thus cannot afford taxi fares every day. For many years now he has been cycling from Okuryangava in Katutura where he lives to workplace in Eros. He has since become an ardent cyclist even though he has been riding bicycles since he was 12 years old.

“It was not a perfect bike, but we taught ourselves how to ride. The children I grew up with wanted to become teachers and police officers but all I wanted to do was cycle,” he said.

Around 1994, he started watching the likes of local cyclists Dan Craven and Mannie Heymans on television.

This pushed him further into the cycling spirit.

“If they could do it, I could too.”

His quest to cycle was strong. He wanted to race like them on TV but his dream never came true, because his family could not afford to buy him a bicycle and there were not many cycling competitions when he was growing up.

There was also no way his parents would settle with their son being a professional cyclist.

It was unheard of at the time.

He was forced to stop dreaming and look for any job, as long as it pays. That is how he became a security guard; protecting people's property day and night.

“Someone has to do it. I never had many opportunities in my life, but I learned never to complain about what I do not have,” he said.

Because of demands of the big city he could not afford to keep up with the ever rising taxi fare to and from work and decided to buy a bicycle from his earnings.

A bike which he used all year round was stolen when he went into a local shop to buy some food.

“I was disappointed but I cannot be angry over something which already happened. I again saved up and bought a mountain bike from a man who was selling his property in order to leave the country. I found him on Facebook and after negotiating with him; he agreed to sell the bike to me for N$2 000,” he said.

“The tyres were old but with time I managed to replace them. I really enjoy my bike as it can take me anywhere. I even use it on gravel, it just works fine.

It is not like those bicycles we grew up riding in the north. They are very strong and people in the north use them until this day to transport goods. But it is not an ideal bicycle for riding to work fast.”

Augustinus said that on his off day, he cycles the Daan Viljoen road. “My shifts are unpredictable but when I am off, I train intensively as I would like to take part in the Tour de Windhoek cycling competition. From work in Eros, I cycle to my friend's gym at his house in Grysblock, where I work on my upper and lower body strength. I am very fit I tell you. I have been cycling for years. If I find you on the street, I might even overtake you with my bike,” he said giggling.

“I am sure my bike will not die on me before I take part in the tournament. I just need to find the registration fees,” he said.

The registration fee to take part in the Tour de Windhoek is about N$2 300.

Augustinus, who is affectionately known as Sacky, is a huge fan of the late cycling sensation Costa Seibeb, who died in a car crash this year.

“I used to meet Seibeb in my neighbourhood. He promised that he will help me with my cycling, he really passed away at a time I needed him the most,” he said.

“If an opportunity arises for me to cycle in a local competition, I would do it not for the money, but to leave behind a legacy which my daughters can follow. I am not getting young; my children look up to me. This is a dream I had for years and I want to teach my daughters that they can achieve anything if they put their minds to it. No matter the situation they grow up in. They can do it.”



LIMBA MUPETAMI

Namibia defeat Uganda

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Namibia defeat Uganda Namibia defeated hosts Uganda 48-24 in the 2017 Africa Rugby Gold Cup game played in the capital, Kampala, on Saturday.

The Welwitschias maintained their impressive record in the cup and started the game with speed, but the hosts took advantage first with Asuman Mugerwa scored the first try and Philip Wokorach making no mistake converted it.

Namibia scored a penalty through Cliven Loubser before Justin Newman picked the first try to make it 8-7 after 10 minutes. Loubser made no mistake scoring the conversion. Wokoroch who was voted man-of-the-match in the 78-17 win against Tunisia a week ago made sure he scored a penalty to make it 10-10 after 15 minutes. But the quick Namibian team later ran riot and scored two tries through 8 and Johan Tramp, with Loubser converting one of them.

The visitors took a 22-10 halftime lead as the Ugandan fans became unsettled.

After recess Uganda failed to play a coordinated game as poor ball handling by Micheal Okorach gifted Namibia with a chance to increase the lead with another try to make it 29-10.

The visitors with nice interplay made it 34-10 with Newman on the score sheet again. But Loubser missed the conversion.

Making his debut for Uganda Rugby Cranes, Eric Mula scored a try on 54 minutes after a neat pass by Mathias Ochwo. The conversion was well struck by Wokorach before he also picked a try two minutes later after a neat pass by fly half Ivan Magomu.

Later the hosts failed to match Namibia's speed and clever passing as the visitors added two more tries.

The win takes Namibia to 20 points after they also picked a bonus point.

“The boys knew the game plan and did exactly as we had planned. It is a sweet win away from home,” Namibia's coach Davies Philip Thomas told Xinhua after the game.

Uganda's head coach John Duncan was a disappointed man attributing the defeat to the slow reaction of his players.

“We let in a mistake at the back and got punished,” added the coach.

Uganda will now wait to host Zimbabwe next weekend in the last game.

NAMPA / XINHUA

Prioritising mental health

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Prioritising mental healthMental Health Sports Day commemorated Mental illness is rarely spoken about in Namibia, hence the need to have special days to initiate conversations on the issue. The sixth annual Mental Health Sports Day was commemorated at Windhoek Central Hospital on Friday, with various sporting activities taking place.

Close to 100 people from the Windhoek Central Prison, Central Hospital, Gobabis Prison, Ministry of Health and general public attended the event.

Participants competed in football, volleyball, netball, track events and fun games, with the winners receiving medals at the end of the day.

The event, which was officially opened by Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela, commissioner-general of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), was held under the theme 'No health without mental health'.

Delivering his keynote address, Hamunyela said the NCS continues to work with the ministry of health and towards the provision of quality health care services for offenders in its care.

He said the partnership between their institutions has grown stronger since 2014.

“This agreement is aimed at ensuring better access to specialised staff, including psychiatrists, who are very limited in Namibia,” he said.

Hamunyela said currently there are 155 State President's Decision patients throughout Namibia with various forms of mental health conditions.

There are also 66 patients at the Forensic Psychiatric Unit of the Windhoek Central Hospital's Mental Health Care Centre, where the NCS provides safe custody through correctional officers.

“Mental illness is stigmatised and rarely spoken about in Namibia, hence the need to have days like today to empower people and open up conversations on the issue,” added Hamunyela.



NAMPA

Whitewash for Walvis Bay

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Whitewash for Walvis BayUnam thrash visitors Namibian Premier League log leaders Unam beat Walvis Bay 44-0 in the second semi-finals at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek. In a one-sided affair Unam thrashed the Walvis Bay side which failed to impress when they came up against the university team.

In the first minutes of the first half, the Walvis Bay side tried to test the character of Unam players and went in head strong. Captain Bradley Klazen picked up an injury and had to leave the field, replaced by Kami Mieze.

The university side was not impressed having lost their captain and was adamant to show the visitors who was boss.

Lorenso Luis received a free kick which he scored putting Unam six points up.

Chessborough Lawrence of Unam stormed through the Walvis Bay defence and much to their dismay scored a try, which Luis comfortably converted.

At halftime Unam lead 11-0 at the chilly stadium.

Cameron Klaazen in the first minutes of the second half sneaked through the vulnerable defence of the visiting side and put down a try, again converted by Luis who seemed to have brought the right boots to the game, much to the excitement of the crowd.

For the Walvis Bay side, it felt like the floodgates of doom opened as yet again another try was scored by Barry Grande. Luis stepped up to convert it once more, putting them 25 points up.

In the last 15 minutes of the game, Renaud van Neel tested the pace of the visiting side as he ran across the field to score a try.

There was no hope in sight for the visiting side as Unam's defence stood strong, blocking all their attempts to score.

Frank Mowa and Tjino Tjihare did well for the team and were substituted to give Denver Murorua and Romanzo Lento a chance to show their skills.

Luis, having converted all the tries, got more involved in the game as he caught the ball from his teammate Klaazen and pushed through the visitors' defence to score a try. The athletic Luis failed to score the conversion but Unam were not worried as they had already secured a win.

The team is enjoying an unbeaten strike of 27 matches since last year. Unam has a lot of depth and the players come packed with a lot of speed and agility.

In other premier league games Grootfontein beat West Coast Sharks 50 – 28 and Etosha Lions beat Seaflower Ocean Swallows 51 – 1.

In the Reserve League FNB Wanderers (2) win with 36 - 12 points over FNB Western Suburbs (2), FNB Unam (2) walk away with a 33 - 11 win over Reho Falcons (2).

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Zimbabwe Under-18 go down to Namibia

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Zimbabwe Under-18 go down to Namibia The under-18 Namibian side beat Old Mutual Zimbabwe 41-21 on day five in their test match at the Coca-Cola Craven Week tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Junior Sables started off brightly with skipper Jack Charsley going over for the first try of the game after a lovely offload by scrumhalf Dillon Brain who went on to add the extra two points with a successful conversion. From there on it was Namibia all over Zimbabwe which saw the Namibians lead 31-14 heading into half-time.

In total, Namibia scored six tries, same number of conversions and one penalty goal for a comprehensive victory. First centre Mazvitaishe Nyamarebvu and outstanding number eight Ronald Mirimi scored the other tries for Zimbabwe which were both converted by Brain.

In other matches Golden Lions and Blue Bulls took top honours in the in the tournament. The Golden Lions defeated the Sharks 45-18 in a thrilling final match, while the Blue Bulls outplayed Western Province 49-37 in the main match in Academy Week.

Craven Week Day 5 results: Eastern Province CD 70-0 Border CD, Limpopo Blue Bulls 34-57 GWK Griquas, Valke 43-41 Griquas CD, Eastern Province 29-26 Leopards, SWD 49-36 Pumas, Boland 12-42 Griffons, Border 40-45 Blue Bulls, Free State 54-33 Western Province and Sharks 18-45 Golden Lions.



Academy Week Day 5 results:

Border CD 30-59 GWK Griquas CD, Pumas 21-27 Eastern Province CD, Zimbabwe 24-27 Namibia, Sharks CD 26-26 Griffons CD, Boland 19-26 Golden Lions, SA LSEN 10-22 GWK Griquas, Pumas CD 36-40 Valke, Sharks 29-38 Free State. Eastern Province 34-35 Leopards, Limpopo Blue Bulls 31-38 Valke Platteland,Border 34-27 Griffons, Blue Bulls 49-37 Western Province and SWD 14-45 Golden Lions XV.

–Additional reporting by SPORT24

Sports federations should seek NSC approval: Mwiya

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Sports federations should seek NSC approval: Mwiya The chief administrator at the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), Freddy Mwiya, says athletes who do not approach the NSC when going for competitions outside the country will not be considered for the annual Namibia Sports Awards.

Speaking during a capping ceremony in the capital last week Friday, Mwiya emphasised that sports federations must get blessings from the NSC office, as it is a constitutional requirement.

“It is an Act of Parliament that requires athletes and their federations to notify us and seek our blessings before going to compete outside the country. This helps us to award you colours,” he explained. Mwiya said as soon as the colours are awarded, they can then contact host countries and clubs to notify them that a team representing Namibia would be going there.

The NSC also contacts embassies or high commissions in countries where these athletes travel.

“If anything happens to you while you are representing Namibia, the country representatives then take over in whatever happens,” he said.

Mwiya noted that if Namibian athletes win medals outside the country, they must first present them at his office before seeking an audience with higher offices, adding they had observed athletes rushing straight to State House to present their awards, which he said was wrong.

Meanwhile, the NSC has awarded national colours to the Archery Association of Namibia's Ilana Karsten and Petrus Louw Nel, who will represent Namibia at the World Games in Poland from today to 30 July.

At the same event, it was announced that power lifters Sebastian Menn, Josua Bell and Marius Johannes will be participating in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Competition in Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa from 10 to 17 September.

As a parting shot, Mwiya urged the athletes to represent Namibia well and embrace the spirit of fair play.



NAMPA

There will never be another Robbie

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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There will never be another Robbie There is a void in the Windhoek city centre where the number one supporter of the people's game used to frequent. There is no place Robbie Savage has not been and there is no one who can say that they have not seen him somewhere in town. The town's keeper, I call him.

Robbie started off as a rugby mascot in the mid '80s and later moved on to football. Robbie was a friend to many, and enemy to none. When there was a football match, if not African Stars then Brave Warriors, he would be first at the field, as if inspecting the field before it gets played on. If he was not watching a football match, he would frequent shops around the city centre and people knew what he needed before he asked.

He would then trek to Nando's and buy himself a hot meal. Not one for ordinaries. Satisfied, he would continue to help passers-by carry their groceries to their cars. That was the man many knew.

Many saw Robbie on TV, sitting next to big names in the football fraternity. Chatting away as if they were old friends. Sometimes he would stand up, walk onto the field and should instructions at the Brave Warriors. Nobody could tell Robbie what to do and what not to do. If a player did not play to his liking, he would hear Robbie's voice on top of that of the coach. That was who he was. He did not need permission to be involved.

He did not like it when fans threw beer or cooldrink cans onto the field. He would walk up to them and order them to pick up their mess.

As much as Robbie went about town, chatting and helping people, he would sometimes just stand and watch. With his arms folded across his chest he would stand and stare as if looking into the future.

He was never in a rush to get somewhere. He took his time in his dealings and when he was done; his presence was always missed because he had left something special behind.

I do not remember the number of times I saw Robbie at a football match. I do not remember the number of times I spoke to him – teasing him as he responded quickly with a temper.

But I remember he was always there. How did he enter the stadium? Does he have a special pass, I would always ask myself, but Robbie was Robbie and he always got his way.

A friend of mine once told me how Robbie used to frequent her workplace because he knew they had a meal or some cash waiting for him.

She said that he was very sharp to answer whatever came to his mind. Sometimes offending people but then again putting a smile on their faces by offering to help them in some way.

When news broke that he passed away, social media went crazy as people shared memories of him. Tributes came in as far as Denmark. People remembered his impish smile.

Robbie was truly a man of the people. A character who feared nothing and no one. He was the middle man who closed the gap between football rivals – if you were for him, he was for you.

Fans and the football players he tormented with orders remember Robbie as a free spirit. Fields around town will never be the same as people will always search for the face of the man who made Namibian football what it is with his presence.



limba@namibiansun.com

Great achievement for Para-athlete

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Great achievement for Para-athleteNambala wins two silver medals at IPC Championships Para-athlete Johannes Nambala won two silver medals at the 2017 IPC ParaAthletics World Championships in London. LIMBA MUPETAMI



Namibia’s T13 athlete Johannes Nambala on Friday won the country’s third medal at the 2017 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships when he finished second in the 400m race.

Nambala clocked a seasonal best of 48.40 seconds in the 400m race and 21.81 seconds in the 200m which he ran on Wednesday. In the 400m Mohamed Amguoun of Morocco won the race with a world record time of 46.92 seconds to successfully defend his title.

The Moroccan athlete set a world record of 47.15 seconds at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil when he beat Nambala to the line, something he successfully repeated on Friday as he reduced the time again and beat the Namibian sprinter to the finish line.

Nambala said he was happy to win another medal for the country and was aiming for the world record but it was maybe not meant to happen.

He took to social media to thank the Namibian nation for their support. “Keep on doing what you do best my fans, family and coaches and the NPC Namibia. Without you I can do anything.”

Mohamed Hamoumou of Algeria finished third with 48.65 seconds.

Another Namibian sprinter in the race, Eino Mushila, finished last with a seasonal best of 54.61 seconds.

Their coach, Michael Hamukwaya, said the athletes’ hard work had paid off and he was proud of all the athletes.

Paralympic sprinter Ananias Shikongo and his guide Even Tjiviju won the first medal for Namibia at the championships.

They won silver in the men’s T11, 100m after finishing second behind world champion David Brown of the United States of America and his guide Jerome Avery, who finished the race in a time of 11.20 seconds.

The 2017 IPC World Athletics Championships ended yesterday.

The international multi-sport event involves athletes with a range of physical disabilities, and in a few events, those with intellectual disabilities. – Additional reporting NAMPA

Nambala wins silver at IPC Championship

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Nambala wins silver at IPC Championship Great achievement for para-athlete Para-athlete Johannes Nambala has won silver at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London. NAMPA



Namibian T13 athlete Johannes Nambala on Friday won the country’s third medal at the 2017 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships when he finished second in the 400m final race.

Nambala clocked a seasonal best of 48.40 seconds. Mohamed Amguoun of Morocco won the race with a world record time of 46.92 seconds to successfully defend his title.

The Moroccan athlete set a world record of 47.15 seconds at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil when he beat Nambala to the line, something he successfully repeated on Friday as he reduced the time again and beat the Namibian sprinter to the finish line.

Nambala told Nampa after the race that he was happy to have won another medal for his country and was aiming for the world record but it was maybe not meant to happen.

Mohamed Hamoumou of Algeria finished third in 48.65 seconds.

Another Namibian sprinter in the race, Eino Mushila, finished last with a seasonal best of 54.61 seconds.

Team Namibia of four athletes finished the competition with three silver medals.

Paralympic sprinter Ananias Shikongo and his guide Even Tjiviju won the first medal for Namibia at this year’s championships in London.

They won silver in the men’s T11, 100m after finishing second behind world champion David Brown of the United States of America and his guide Jerome Avery, who finished the race in a time of 11.20 seconds.

Nambala won Namibia’s second medal in the T13, 200m after finishing second behind world champion Jason Smyth of Ireland, who successfully defended his title at the championships.

The 2017 IPC World Athletics Championships ended yesterday.

The international multi-sport event involves athletes with a range of physical disabilities, and in a few events, those with intellectual disabilities.

Shot of the day

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Shot of the day HUSTLE: This picture shows a boy sleeping next to honey melons on display to be sold at the livestock market in Kashgar in China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Hope whispers

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Hope whispers We are a nation existing in trying times. There is no doubt that most Namibians, rich, poor, black and white are feeling the pinch of a broken economy, although some are feeling it more than others. No matter what anyone tells us, we know the painful truth. Public servants all over Namibia are waiting for overtime payments, schools and other government offices are facing water and electricity cuts, parastatals are struggling to pay for services rendered, moratoriums have been placed on new employments in many industries and the construction industry is on its knees. We may not know this place, but we certainly created it. We created it with greed, exploitation of the poor, inaction towards inequality, nepotism and the refusal to correct the wrongs of the past. It was not created last year, during the last administration or by a few, many, too many had a hand in it. We were a post-apartheid society living through a honeymoon stage and not putting in the work to ensure long-term stability. So what now? Where to from here? They say there’s a beauty in being down and out and having nothing more to lose. That is where we are as a nation. We can and should do better. We can and should ensure better tender and procurement procedures that will lead to the creation of sustainable businesses that employ and empower our people on a long-term basis. We know now that greed and nepotism serves no one in the long run, we need to empower institutions that hold power to account, to ensure that no one gets to believe that they are above the law. It is when people believe that the long arm of the law won’t reach them, when they ultimately do wrong by the people. Importantly, we need to take stock about where we have been as a nation, what we have seen and felt in order to do better. Ensuring accountability in a nation where so many have gotten away with so much already won’t be easy. But hope whispers, let’s do better.

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Queen praises Dr Ndume

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Queen praises Dr Ndume The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority has presented an “award of commendation” to eye specialist Dr Helena Ndume in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the prevention of blindness in the country.

The award was presented by the queen of Oukwanyama, Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu, on Saturday at the Oukwanyama Palace at Omhedi.

The event was attended by community members, traditional and political leaders and also by former Miss Universe Michelle McLean-Bailey and medical professionals.

The chairperson of the traditional authority, George Nelulu, said they decided to join other international and local organisations in recognising Ndume's efforts and dedication in eyesight restoration.

Ndume and her team has conducted eye surgeries on 35 000 Namibians since starting the annual free eye surgery campaign in 1997.

“Dr Ndume has demonstrated, over a significant period of time, dedication and commitment to the prevention of blindness and eyesight restoration in the country.

There is no doubt that her commitment and dedication is a borne out of a strong sense of civic duty and love for her countrymen and women.

It has been said of Dr Ndume that she continues to put her whole heart and soul into the well-being and welfare of her fellow Namibians,” Nelumbu said.

In her acceptance speech, the tearful Ndume thanked the traditional authority, saying the award was dedicated to everybody involved in the nationwide campaign.

She told the gathering that all started in 1995 when she attended an Eyes Convention in Atlanta in America while she was a medical student in Germany.

At the convention she met the See International representative who expressed interest in assisting her in her ambition to restore sight and prevent blindness among her fellow citizens.

After completing her study they fulfilled their commitment and Dr Michael Colvard has been coming to Namibia annually for the eye surgical campaign.

“We first started at Rundu in Kavango East Region in 1997.

We had over 500 patients registered for the operation. After screening them we identified over 200 patients to be operated after a month.

“When we did the operation after a month fewer than 50 patients turned up - the rest got discouraged that the campaign was not real.

However, since the operation was successful on those who turned up they went and spread the message to the others including those who had shied away. The following operation was fully attended,” Ndume said.

At the same event, Dr Colvard described Ndume as great humanitarian who has the ability to invite people to assist those in need.

He said they have worked together in restoring the sight of 35 000 people.

ILENI NANDJATO

Northern fuel shortage addressed

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Northern fuel shortage addressedEngen depot to supply northern regions The fuel company has established a depot at Ondangwa to relieve the bottleneck experienced in peak holiday periods. The mines and energy minister, Obeth Kandjoze, has commended Engen for the N$62 million fuel depot it has established at Ondangwa, which is expected to solve the fuel shortage that is usually experienced in the north during peak seasons.

The northern regions usually experience a fuel shortage during April, August and November, December and January due to high demand.

Kandjoze, who was speaking at the depot's official opening on Friday, said in the past the region used to receive fuel from the Tsumeb depot.

He called on fuel suppliers to attend to the fuel need of the Kavango and Zambezi regions that are served from the Grootfontein depot.

“The step taken by Engen is commendable.

This region is huge, but used to be served from the Tsumeb depot and the demand was just very high, with shortages experienced during April, August and December. This depot will not only serve local customers, but also from the neighbouring countries,” Kandjoze said.

Kandjoze said if a fuel depot was established in the Kavango or Zambezi regions it could also supply fuel to Angola, Zambia and Botswana, which are all landlocked countries and it would be a good investment.

Engen managing director Nangula Hamunyela said with the introduction of the 1.6-million-litre Engen fuel depot at Ondangwa, the problem of fuel shortages in the northern regions during festive seasons would be something of the past.

She said the depot would supply 17 service stations in the Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omusati regions and even in Angola.

“With this depot we will assure that no point will run out of fuel in December anymore,” Hamunyela said.

She added that they were committed to supplying fuel of excellent quality.

The governor of the Oshana Region commended Engen for choosing Ondangwa for their fuel depot since the town is strategically located and can enable them reach out to their targeted customers.

“Ondangwa town is strategically located at the centre of commercial activities in relation to Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto regions. In this regard, I congratulate the Ondangwa town council for having developed the necessary bulk urban services infrastructure and availing the land for this industrial development activity of Ondangwa Fuel Depot,” said Kashuupulwa.

Ondangwa mayor Paavo Amwele said Ondangwa has everything that investors need to make a successful investment.

He said the town has a railway, an airport and it is located in the centre of the northern regions with close proximity to the populous Angolan market and a willing population that is willing to work.

“These are all facts that we cannot ignore that make Ondangwa a very unique investment destination in the north, and facts speak volumes. We in Ondangwa strongly believe that the true economic development of this town will only be achieved through strong private investments, which of course can be supplemented by government or public investment,” Amwele said.

He said the Ondangwa council wanted the town to be the engine of industrialisation and sustainable development in the north-central regions.

ILENI NANDJATO

Fishermen claim 200 hours overtime

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Fishermen claim 200 hours overtime The office of the Labour Commissioner at Walvis Bay last week advised two fishermen Sam Frans and Abisai Katula not to lodge a dispute with Marco Fishing over unpaid overtime, but to instead wait until 5 August for the money to be paid out as the company has undertaken to do.

Frans and Katula were supposed to have appeared before a disciplinary hearing last week Thursday on a charge that they have on 5 and 6 June refused to perform lawfully assigned duties.

The workers said they had a right to withhold their labour until conditions on the vessel are safe and healthy.

The fishermen are claiming over 200 hours of overtime, which they claim to have worked from 26 May to 23 June while at sea.

They claim that the skipper has “forced” them to work 21 hours a day over the 21 days despite a signed single voyage contract that stipulates 11 hours normal working hours and three hours overtime while at sea.

The contract further stipulates that workers are entitled to a rest period of eight hours in every 24 hour cycle while at sea.

A recent amendment to the Labour Act of 2007 stipulates that fishermen shall not work more than nine hours and not more than five hours overtime per day.

“We want our government to take serious note of these cases and to take tangible steps against companies that are not complying with the country's labour laws. These are the reasons why fishermen are on strike but such transgressions are still continuing,” said chairperson of the United Fishermen of Namibia, Mathew Lungameni, said.

Lungameni last month said working conditions for fishermen have not improved since the amendment of the Labour Law late last year, claiming that workers were forced to work under worsening health standards.

He also claimed that scab workers replacing the striking fishermen are forced to work 21 to 36 consecutive hours per shift.



CATHERINE SASMAN

Pretorius laid to rest

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Pretorius laid to rest Family members and people from all corners of Namibia paid their last respects to Willem Francois Pretorius, better known as Kosie Pretorius, during a service at the Dutch Reformed (NG) Church in Walvis Bay on Saturday.

Pastor Willie Coetzee said the late Pretorius was a peacemaker and an enthusiastic listener.

“He told me once that he observed during parliament sessions and debates that when a person used the word 'but', what followed would actually be what the person intended to say in the first place,” Coetzee recalled.

President Hage Geingob also expressed his condolences to the Pretorius family and paid tribute to the deceased politician in a press release issued on Friday.

The president said the country was dealt a blow upon learning of the passing of Pretorius on 14 July.

He hailed Pretorius as a veteran of the Namibian political sphere and said he played a role in the drafting of the Namibian Constitution and therefore was one of the founders of independent Namibia.

“We agreed to disagree, but agreed to hold hands as Namibians from different persuasion.

His cool-tempered demeanour and his polite disposition impressed me.

He was also steadfast in his views.”

Geingob also said that Pretorius played a role in contributing to Namibia's democracy as a member of parliament.

“He always asked well-researched questions which were never aimed at political point-scoring but were genuinely aimed at seeking clarity on critical issues of national concern.

His intrinsic character allowed him to become a unifier in an independent Namibia,” Geingob said.

OTIS FINCK

No decision on RCC yet

July 23, 2017, 4:00 pm

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No decision on RCC yet The minister of public enterprises, Leon Jooste, on Friday said no decision on the future of the beleaguered Roads Construction Company (RCC) had been made.

“It was not D-Day yet,” said Jooste in response to a news article which suggested that a cabinet committee would decide last Wednesday whether to recapitalise or liquidate the parastatal.

“Very little that I can share on this item,” Jooste said when asked about the cabinet discussions.

It was reported that the cabinet committee on treasury, which is deliberating on the RCC matter, could not reach consensus.

It was stated that while Jooste propagated the closure of the RCC, the minister of works and transport, Alpheus !Naruseb, vehemently rejected this option.

The RCC has sought a N$300 million bailout from the government. Jooste argues that it will take more than N$1 billion to rescue the parastatal.

While the verdict is still out on this matter, rumours inside the RCC are that there are talks that the RCC will be restructured “fit for purpose” or that it will possibly be merged with other state-owned enterprises.

A remodelled RCC would, according to these rumours, include the mandate to build and maintain roads – as is the current mandate – but then to “streamline” it to “make commercial sense and be competitive in the industry”.

Rumours of the suggested closure of the RCC are reportedly “not so strong”.

Whatever the future of the RCC is, insiders say the more than 400 employees at the parastatal are in a panic over possible job losses.

CATHERINE SASMAN