Liberty's profit falls

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Liberty's profit fallsWeak economy contributes to weak performance South Africa's economy slipped into recession in the first quarter and unemployment is close to 28%, adding to pressure on a government grappling with corruption allegations and credit rating cuts. Liberty Holdings Limited, South Africa's fourth-largest insurer, said on Friday its first-half profit had dropped 30%, hurt by weak investment markets and lower economic growth that dented business and consumer confidence.

Liberty's normalised headline earnings - a key profit measure that strips out certain one-off items - fell to 456.7 cents per share for the six months ended June from 650 cents a year earlier, the company said in a statement.

Liberty's new chief executive, David Munro, is trying to manage costs, improve the value of new business and related margins for the insurance operations and fund performance for the asset management business. Munro, former head of Standard Bank's investment banking unit, was named to the top job in May, replacing Thabo Dloti, who abruptly left the company following a clash with the board.

“The results for the six months reflect difficult market conditions and the challenges we face as a business. We have prioritised initiatives to make an immediate impact on our service to customers and financial performance,” Munro said.

Insurers in South Africa have been bulking up their presence elsewhere to offset slowing growth at home, but Africa's prospects have been hit by a collapse in commodity prices.

Headline earnings at Liberty Africa insurance business were R9 million above the prior period, while earnings in the asset management business Stanlib South Africa were lower at R115 million from R249 million.

“The asset management business in South Africa experienced margin pressure due to weaker investment markets and product mix. In addition, higher costs associated with the termination of the administration outsourcing programme impacted earnings,” Liberty said.

The company declared an interim dividend of 276 cents per share.

Group new business sales rose by 10% to R3.9 billion, while the value of new business fell to R86 million from R257 million at a reduced margin. Liberty said its capital adequacy ratio, a key measure of financial strength, was at 2.82 times statutory requirement from 2.95.

NAMPA/REUTERS

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Sustainable development is imperative

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Sustainable development is imperative Nedbank Namibia has donated more than N$1 million to the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) to fund environmental projects.

The projects will mostly focus on research to generate new information needed to manage the country's environment and wildlife resources sustainably.

In its continuous efforts to invest in environmentally sustainable development through its Go Green Fund, the bank is currently in the process of planting 58 trees across Namibia.

The tree-planting is spearheaded by the bank's staff and is part of an in-house transformational initiative to create awareness among staff to be more mindful of the environment and to be sustainable in all their efforts.

The handing over of the N$1 million cheque coincided with Earth Overshoot Day celebrated on 2 August at an event held in Windhoek.

Earth Overshoot Day marks humanity's failure to protect the earth's resources.

“Caring for our environment is not a choice, it is a responsibility. It is very clear that the continued investment in sustainable development is imperative if we want to preserve the finite resources of our world and continue to address the developmental needs of the future.

“Through our vehicle- and home-loan finance facilities, Nedbank is able to provide small grants for programmes dealing with conservation, protection and the wise management of Namibian habitats and indigenous plants,” said Edward Turner, Nedbank's executive for corporate and investment banking.

The deputy environment minister, Tommy Nambahu, emphasised the importance of conserving the country's natural resources.

“It is our responsibility to conserve Namibia's natural resources and derive socio-economic benefits sustainably from them.

This means the continued support in educating our communities in the wise management of these resources and the continued investment in research, to better understand our changing environment, will ultimately allow us to adapt and become resilient,” he said.

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DBN in strategic partnership

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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DBN in strategic partnershipDBN and DBSA shake hands across the border Development finance institutions in Namibia and Southern Africa have agreed to cooperate in the interest of regional prosperity. The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) have signed an agreement that has potential far-reaching impact for development finance in Namibia.

In terms of the agreement, the two banks will establish means to cooperate on and co-finance projects that are of mutual interest. According to DBN CEO Martin Inkumbi, the substance of the agreement will give both parties the ability to contribute to regional development and prosperity through opportunities in Namibia.

Although DBN's mandate precludes it from financing projects outside Namibia, DBSA and DBN can jointly foster Namibian projects which will have a beneficial impact on Southern Africa, said Inkumbi.

The Development Bank of Namibia is seeking avenues to promote regional trade, regional integration, as well as developing robust Namibian infrastructure to support the regional transport and logistics sector.

He added that cooperation among SADC development finance institutions (DFIs) is encouraged by the SADC-DFI Network, of which both the DBN and the DBSA are members, as a means of coordinating and supporting regional economic development and integration.

Asked about cross-border capital flows, Inkumbi said both institutions are in the Common Monetary Area, and there are no restrictions on capital flows.

In addition to potential co-financing of projects of mutual interest, the agreement has, at its core, sharing of information and capacity building.

Among the elements of the deal, DBSA will make available to DBN expertise from its international finance team, as well as product and sector expertise in the fields of energy, transport and water.

DBSA may also make available knowledge and implementation skills for bankable projects, as well as assist in project preparation. DBN has established its own Project Preparation Fund to improve loan applications which it considers of vital importance for Namibian development.

Inkumbi said the experience of DBSA in project preparation would be invaluable.

Talking about the broader ramifications of the agreement, Inkumbi said that the prosperity of nations and regional stability were best built on cooperative economics.

He said the SADC Development Finance Network was of benefit to all. Regionalisation held many economic benefits, and DBN was proud to contribute to an equitable economic future for all.

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Corporates urged to support SMEs

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Corporates urged to support SMEsPrivate-sector involvement in economy encouraged Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on the private sector to contribute to the country's growth. The private sector was criticised for not supporting the Katutura Expo by Prosperty Group managing director Bertus Struwig at the official opening held last week Thursday.

Struwig, whose Prosperity Group has over the years supported the Katutura Expo, took issue with a low turn-out of corporate sponsors at this year's event

“Where are we sharing, why does it look like this? The private sector must support such initiatives like the Katutura Expo even in difficult times. The private sector must step up to its responsibilities,” said Struwig.

According to him, overall satisfaction could only be achieved if prosperity was shared.

“We cannot eat alone; if you eat alone you will die alone. We must share. If we don't share you cannot be happy,” he said.

Struwig commended Katutura Expo organising committee chairperson Ambrosius Kandjii, whom he described as a champion of the people. “Kandjii is looking after his people,” said Struwig to cheers from the audience that had gathered at the Katutura sport complex.

Reiterating Stuwig's sentiments, main speaker prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said that prosperity had to be shared.

“Let us share, if we don't share, we will not eat alone. Prosperity not shared will result in poverty for all. The polarisation of us against them will bring the country to its knees,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

She called for greater involvement in the economy and closer collaboration between the private sector and small and medium enterprises.

“All citizens should be given an equal opportunity to make a contribution. Government believes that the private sector should remain the engine of growth of the economy,” the prime minister said.

She expressed satisfaction with the organisation that went into the expo. “It is pleasing to know that the expo has grown over the years,” she added.

The Katutura Expo ended yesterday.

OGONE TLHAGE

Ten players withdrawn from Bafana squad

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Ten players withdrawn from Bafana squad Bafana announced by head coach Stuart Baxter to take on Zambia in the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers.

Amazulu, Highlands Park, Supersport United and Orlando Pirates have all recalled their players: Boalefa Pule, Ayabulela Konqobe, Michael Morton, Mothobi Mvala, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Denwin Farmer, Cole Alexander, Teboho Mokoena and Tercious Malepe, while Riyaad Norodien is out injured.

The Bafana Bafana technical team is working on the replacements.

The squad assembled for camp yesterday.

The first-leg clash of the third and final round will take place on Saturday, 12 August 2017 at Buffalo City Stadium in East London.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

The return leg will then be played on 9 August at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.

Kick-off is also at 15:00.

SUPERSPORT

Lomachenko outclasses Marriaga to retain WBO crown

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Lomachenko outclasses Marriaga to retain WBO crown Ukrainian southpaw Vasyl Lomachenko retained his WBO junior lightweight title, flooring challenger Miguel Marriaga with one second left in the seventh round en route to a technical knockout victory on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Lomachenko outclassed Marriaga from the opening bell, scoring two knockdowns in making the third defence of his 130-pound title.

“It was an interesting fight,” Lomachenko said. “I have more experience now.”

This was just Lomachenko's 10th professional fight after he fashioned together one of the greatest amateur careers of all-time. The two-time Olympic gold medallist compiled a 391-1 record as an amateur and is now 9-1 as a pro with seven knockouts.

After outfoxing Marriaga in a sorry mismatch, Lomachenko was asked who he wants to fight next: “That is always the question I hear. For me it doesn't matter. I want to win titles.”

The Colombian landed very few punches but he did cut Lomachenko over the left eye with a head butt in the fourth round of the world title fight Saturday night at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angles.

The round earlier Lomachenko floored the challenger for the first time in the fight. With 34 seconds left in the third Lomachenko landed a straight left hand that sent Marriaga sailing backwards across the ring.

Lomachenko sealed the victory with a looping left to the right temple with one second left in the seventh round. It wasn't a damaging punch but it caught Marriaga at the right time, reminding him from the seat of his pants that there was no point in continuing to embarrass himself.

His corner called over the referee before the start of the next round and threw in the towel.

It was the second straight lopsided loss for the 30-year-old Marriaga, who dropped to 25-3, with 21 knockouts.

Marriaga, who moved up in weight to take the fight, wasn't the kind of challenger that will help Lomachenko earn the title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

He needs wins over other elite fighters to climb his way to the top. In fairness to Lomachenko he has had trouble getting the top ranked boxers in his division to fight him.

Lomachenko turned professional in 2013 after winning Olympic gold medals for Ukraine in 2008 and 2012.

He won a vacant featherweight world title in his third professional fight with a decision against Gary Russell, tying the record for fewest fights needed to win a world title.

He made more history in his seventh professional fight when he knocked out Roman Martinez in the fifth round 14 months ago to win the junior lightweight title. That set another record for the fewest bouts needed to win belts in two weight divisions.

SUPERSPORT

Lions stunned by Crusaders

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Lions stunned by CrusadersCrusaders break Super Rugby title drought Golden Lions were beaten 25-17 by Crusaders in the Vodacom Super Rugby final on Saturday. The Crusaders broke a nine-year drought to beat a 14-man Emirates Lions and lift their first Vodacom Super Rugby trophy since 2008 with an enthralling and dramatic victory.

In a game that was overshadowed by the red card to Lions flanker Kwagga Smith, the New Zealand side produced a complete performance to overcome altitude, a partisan home crowd and the travel factor to record only the second victory in a final away from home and break a 14-game home unbeaten record for the Lions.

The victory saw the Crusaders claim their eighth Super Rugby title and end a dream finale for Lions coach Johan Ackermann, who will now leave South Africa having lost a final as a player, and two as a coach as he heads to Gloucester for the new challenge in the English Premiership.

On a day of drama and high emotions, it was Smith's red card that infuriated home fans, as he collided with Crusaders winger David Havili in the air with the Crusaders fullback falling badly and leaving referee Jaco Peyper no choice just before halftime but to flash red and reduce the Lions to 14 men.

Despite the emotion around the red card, the decision was both fair and just and, while unfortunate, came at a time where the Lions were hardly winning the contact battle and were struggling at 12-3 behind.

While it would be easy to blame the red card for the loss, the reality is that the Lions struggled to impose themselves until late in the second half, and even then lost all the big moments of the game as the Crusaders were both tactically and physically superior for most of the game.

The biggest fear for the Lions was that they would suffer the same bad start as they did against the Hurricanes in the semi-final, and their worst fears were realised when they started as badly as they did a week before.

If Lions fans were honest, they will realise they never won any of the big moments in the game, and that included three big lineout's in the second half on attack when they had a chance to perfect a great comeback.

Still, it would be unfair not to pay tribute to the revolution that Ackermann has brought to South African rugby and the joy that the Lions have brought over the past few years with their positivity and enterprising play.

While sport may be a theatre of great moments, it remains a tragedy that Ackermann hasn't been rewarded for the change he has brought to South African rugby.

The match may have started on a high as the atmosphere radiated expectation, but the early exchanges saw the Lions looking jittery and do much of the play in their own half.

True to form the Crusaders enjoyed the suffocation game, and much like their semi-final win over the Chiefs, they scored off their opposition mistakes, and then came up with some big plays when it mattered, with Captain Sam Whitelock standing out with a lineout domination that truly was immense.

The Lions left it all on the park, but were outmanoeuvred and out-thought on a night that belonged to the South Islanders.

The Crusaders had it all against them, altitude, the crowd and the travel and they overcame it all through smart play and tactical genius. They are worthy champions.

SUPERSPORT

Personal best for local athlete

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Personal best for local athletePara-athlete Jansen finishes sixth in discus Dian Jansen, Namibia's sole representative at the 2017 World Para-Athletics Junior Championships, finished sixth in the discus competition in Nottwil, Switzerland, on Friday. Para-athlete Dian Jansen, who represented Namibia at able-bodied competitions through the Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU), was competing in the F44 category in Discus and Shot Put.

The Namibian teenager's first event at the competition was in discus on Friday when he threw a distance of 34.41m and finished sixth overall out of the seven competitors.

Jansen's coach, Hendrik Botha, told Nampa in a telephone interview on Saturday that the athlete did his best in a category that had strong competitors.

Botha added that the 34.41m throw on Friday was Jansen's personal best.

Akeem Stewart from Trinidad and Tobago won gold in the F44 men's shot put competition and Jeremy Campbell from the US won gold in the shot put.

F44 is a disability sport classification for field athletes. Athletes in this category have impairments in the lower limbs; a unilateral or combination of lower-limb impairments resulting in functional loss in one foot, ankle and or lower leg.

A total of 275 Paralympic athletes from 41 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico and Poland, have taken part in the international multi-sport event.

Athletes in this class compete in a standing position and without support.

NAMPA

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Bolt denied gold medal

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Bolt denied gold medalBoos as Gatlin shocks Bolt in 100m final US runner Justin Gatlin shocked the world when he beat crowd favourite Usain Bolt in the 100-metre race at the IAAF World Championships in London. American veteran Justin Gatlin was booed after he stunned Usain Bolt to win the 100m world title in London on Saturday and rain on the Jamaican's farewell race in the event.

Gatlin, who has served two doping bans and won silvers behind Bolt at the last two world championships, clocked 9.92 seconds, with teammate Christian Coleman winning silver in 9.94 seconds.

Bolt suffered a dreadful start and could only claim bronze in 9.95 second.

“I'm sorry I couldn't end it on a winning note, but I want to thank you for your support,” said Bolt, who embraced Gatlin after they streaked through the line with no clear victor immediately apparent.

“It's been a wonderful experience as always.”

Gatlin was afforded the same rough reception as he had in the heats and semi-finals, loud boos and jeering ringing around the same stadium where in 2012 his rivalry with Bolt was presented as 'good against evil', given the American's doping-tainted past.

“I tuned it out (the boos) through the rounds and stayed the course,” said Gatlin.

“I did what I had to do. The people who love me are here cheering for me and cheering at home.

“It is Bolt's last race. I have had many victories and many defeats down the years. It is an amazing occasion. We are rivals on the track but in the warm-down area we joke and have a good time.”

The jeering did indeed continue unabated after it became clear Gatlin, a sprinter whose past divides track and field, had gate-crashed Bolt's party.

Gatlin initially put his finger to his pursed lips as if to hush the crowd, before dropping to his knees to bow down to Bolt.

“The first thing he did was congratulate me and say that I didn't deserve the boos. He is an inspiration,” Gatlin said of Bolt.

Coleman added: “It was an historic moment for me to beat Bolt who has taken this sport to another level and who I watched as I grew up: a humbling experience.

“I'm delighted for Justin as we have bonded and become close. I was impressed by the way he handled the pressure and the crowd.”

Gatlin has form as the last man to beat Bolt over 100m by a hundredth of a second in Rome in 2013 and at the age of 35, can still produce the goods, something he has in the past ironically credited with his four years of forced exile from the track.

The evening was all supposed to be about the 30-year-old Bolt claiming a remarkable 12th world gold to add to his eight Olympic gold's in what has been a glittering career.

And what a gaping hole his absence will leave, no matter how brave a face track and field's governing body the IAAF try to put on it.

Of his 19 global golds, 13 have come in individual events and allied with a charismatic personality, it has guaranteed Bolt recognition as one of the world's most successful sportsmen.

“It feels like most of Kingston is in Stratford tonight,” the stadium announcer said of the welcome afforded Bolt in the eastern London stadium now home to West Ham United in the English Premier League.

In temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius, Bolt the showman demonstrated exactly what athletics will miss when he bows out.

The sell-out 60 000 crowd roared as he entered the stadium to do his final warm-up on the track.

Stripped to a vest and tight shorts in the black, green and yellow of Jamaica, chants of “Usain Bolt” rang around in a surprisingly tense atmosphere.

Gatlin, on the other hand, was emotionless as loud jeers welcomed him.

Starting in lane four, Bolt was incredibly slow to react out of the blocks, the 100- and 200-metre world record holder behind Coleman in the lane outside from the off.

The crowd, on their feet, roared, and so Bolt responded as he has so many times before.

After 50 metres, he moved into his famed “drive phase”, head coming slowly up as part of the process that unleashes the full power from his long legs. But it was not quite enough.

Teeth gritted and eyes glued on the big screen of the Trevor Brooking Stand, Bolt streaked through the finish line but any fairytale individual finish to a startling career was dashed by Gatlin and young pretender Coleman.

SUPERSPORT

From Onamutayi to the world

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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From Onamutayi to the worldThe rise of Julius Indongo Namibia is a small country, yet it has produced some of the world's greatest boxers - one of them being Julius 'Blue Machine' Indongo. Not many people knew who Julius Indongo was until he knocked out Russian boxer Eduard Troyanovsky last year, 40 seconds into the fight.

Where did he come from? There wasn't much video footage of his fights in the past, which made it difficult for his opponents to study him, giving him an advantage.

Some called him a one-hit wonder. Then he returned to the ring in April this year to outclass Scottish boxer Ricky Burns.

Burns did not know what hit him as the rangy Namibian boxer rained blows on his body, something Burns admitted in interviews after the fight.

From that moment many started to notice the mysterious, tall and rangy southpaw. Boxers from around the world noticed the danger man in the super lightweight division with 22 fights and no losses.

They requested to take him on in the ring, promising to floor him if given the opportunity. Indongo responded: “I am always ready.”

However, as much as Indongo's fighting style is extraordinary in the ring, what stands out his how he developd from a humble boy to a professional boxer.

Indongo was born in Windhoek but moved to a village called Onamutayi in the Ohangwena Region to live with his stern aunt, who he calls Meme Anna. She instilled discipline in him from a young age.

He was expected to do chores like the rest of the children in the house. He has six siblings from his mother's side and nine from his father.

“I was not raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, but we were well taken care of. If any of us did anything inappropriate we were punished equally.

“I herded cattle and if I fought with any of the boys and ran home crying, I would receive a hiding and told to return to the cattle post to fight again. That's how I grew up. I learned to be strong at a young age,” the boxer recalls.

He says he knew that he wanted to fight at the age of 15.

“I was trading blows with the boys in my village. If you heard there was a fight in the village, you would know who came out as winner. But it wasn't easy as they also gave me a good beating. But I couldn't show them that I was hurt.”

His potential was spotted by boxing coach Junias Amunyela, who allowed him to spar under his watchful eye.

He punched his way out of the small community and toiled at his career for years and is now fighting on an international stage with the eyes of the world on him.

As much as he is soft spoken during interviews, Indongo understands that it's part of who he has become as he is about to fight the biggest fight of his career when he aims to floor Crawford to claim the undisputed world super-lightweight champion title on 19 August.

“I never wanted to be anybody else when I started boxing. I always aspired to be myself and that is Julius Indongo.”

Indongo encourages young boys who take up boxing to focus on the sport as it can open doors for them. “Don't be attracted to the riches that come with a career in the sport. That's not how it's supposed to be. Be humble and build yourself, so that you can take care of yourself and your family one day,” he says.

“In Soweto where I live, people don't treat me like a famous person and I like that,” he says, smiling.

Recently Indongo was promoted to inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga because of his achievements in boxing.

Ndeitunga advised the boxer to remain humble in his boxing career and to always remember that he is a national hero for his achievements in sport.



“Boxers in Namibia have to work three times harder than boxers in Europe or elsewhere because we are part-time boxers. We have full-time day jobs, and when we have big fights we have to take leave to prepare.



“We are; however, very passionate about the sport of boxing, and that is why we put in the extra work. We are certainly among the greatest boxing nations of the world, seeing that we only have a population of approximately 2.4 million people and already have produced four world champions.

“I am going to fight Crawford. He is good. But I won't give up till the last minute. The game plan remains the same always,” Indongo says.

“Julius has come a long way,” says his promoter, Nestor Tobias. “He has been doing this for the last 15 years. He never gave up and this is his time to shine. This is his time to make boxing history in Africa.”

Former WBO bantamweight champion, sparring partner and friend Paulus 'The Rock' Ambunda attests to Indongo's dedication to the sport.

“He is a good friend of mine. He is really humble and dedicated. Indongo is the only guy who can beat the American at the moment. All he needs to do is to be focused,” Ambunda says.

He describes his sparring partner as a reserved man who enjoys spending time with his three children when he is not preparing for a fight. “We should support him and look forward to what he can do,” Ambunda says.

Paulus 'Hitman' Moses, the former WBA lightweight champion who has also sparred with Indongo, shares Ambunda's sentiments. “Indongo is an observer.

He listens when advised and takes what he can use. He knows the task that lies before him when he faces Crawford. He is ready.”

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Footballers to test skills in Europe

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Footballers to test skills in EuropeCattle Country Football Academy on Belgian tour Young Namibian footballers have left for Belgium to take part in the Euro Bierbeek football tournament. A group of 16 under-13 boys from the Cattle Country Football Academy (CCFA) in the Omaheke Region will participate in the 32nd edition of the Euro Bierbeek Football tournament in Belgium from 11 to 13 August.

In an interview with Nampa last week, the founder of CCFA, Rasta Mbuende, said the tournament will feature football clubs from Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea in the United Kingdom; AZ Alkmaar from Netherlands; FC Copenhagen from Denmark; FC Anzhi from Russia; RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt from Germany.

Namibia will be the first and only African country to be represented in the three-day tournament, which will be attended by scouts from all over the world.

“I am very excited by the prospects of the boys participating in this tournament. We have been training hard and looking for such opportunities to come our way,” said Mbuede.

The former African Stars player said he established the academy in 2016 with the aim of exporting at least 20 players in the next five years to top European clubs.

Mbuende said he looked at the lifestyles of players aged 17 and above, and noticed most of them already led a lifestyle not befitting a serious football player.

“I decided to start with them at a young age so I can help them with the life skills as well.”

He added that after attending a coaching course at Leipzig in Germany early last year, he considered joining other academies in Namibia but noticed that the owners of those academies were bent on making money, rather than developing talent.

The coach said lack of development and competitive football at school was making it difficult for the country to develop talent.

Mbuende, who is currently training only under-13 boys, said financial challenges almost put paid to their hopes of participating in this tournament before First National Bank, Standard Bank Namibia, Breweries and Air Namibia chipped in.

“Namibian ambassador to Belgium Kaire Mbuende called me and alerted me that there was a tournament of this magnitude, and I immediately declared my interest,” he said.

When asked how prepared his team is, Mbuende said the boys promised to play well to attract the attention of top European teams.

The team left on Thursday for South Africa, where they hope to acquire Belgian Schengen visas after they failed to get such in Namibia at the Germany embassy due to late confirmation of sponsorship.

NAMPA

Pistol national championship a success

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Pistol national championship a success The Namibian Shooting Union successfully hosted its second annual shooting competition.

The competition took place from 4 to 12 July at the Moltke Blick shooting range in Swakopmund.

The German national PPC 1500 team participated in the championship for the second year in a row.

Astonishing scores were recorded. Johann Wizofsky shot three full scores consecutively on three different routines: something that had never happened before in a championship according to the German team.

The Namibians also had some surprising scores and two members were selected to participate in the PPC 1500 World Championship starting on 17 August in Alsfeld, Germany.

The team members are Leon Heyns and Michael Schoeman.

“We know that sending these members will bring back the best experience to grow this sport even further in Namibia,” said a press release by the organisation.

The German team walked away with all the medals in the PPC 1500 and PA routines in the master class and the Namibian team won as follows:

Michael Jaeger received four gold medals out of four routines shot. Leon Heyns received six gold, three silver; one bronze medal out of ten routines shot.

Michael Schoeman walked away with one gold medal, four silver and two bronze medals out of seven routine shots.

On the ISSF level, which is the Olympic routine, Boellie Malherbe clinched the 2017 Namibian National Champion title. The competition was tight at the beginning between Michael Jaeger and Malherbe but Malherbe's years of experience showed.



The medals were as follows out of six routines:

Boellie Malherbe 3 X Gold; 1 X Silver; 2 X Bronze

Michael Jaeger 2 X Gold; 4 X Silver

Michael Schoeman 1 X Gold; 1 X Silver; 4 X Bronze

Men's Champion: Boellie Malherbe first, followed by Michael Jaeger and in third Michael Schoeman

President's Cup: Boellie Malherbe first, followed by Michael Schoeman and in third Michael Jaeger.

The Tara Cup went to Boellie Malherbe, with Michael Jaeger second and Michael Schoeman third.

On the junior level Nikita Heyns walked away with two gold medals. It was her first competition.

SPORT REPORTER

Netball championship

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Netball championship GREAT VICTORIES: The national netball championship which took place over the weekend produced unexpected winners in Windhoek. The championship was created as a platform for teams of top netball-playing schools in the country to participate and compete as an incentive for schools to perform at their best. In the Under-12 category: Windhoek Gymnasium Private School took gold, Pro-Ed Academy took the second spot and walked away with silver and Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) took silver. In the Under-13: category Windhoek Gymnasium Private School won gold, WAP silver and Grootfontein silver. Under-15: Windhoek Gymnasium Private School walked away with gold, Elnatan Private School won silver and WAP took bronze. Walvis Bay Private School took gold in the Under-17 category, whereas Windhoek Gymnasium walked away with silver and Tsumeb Gymnasium Private School took third place. The Under-19 category was dominated by Windhoek High School which walked away with gold, Windhoek Gymnasium also did well in this category, walking away with silver and Elnatan Private School took bronze. Photo: Contributed

Otjozondjupa to hold under-17 trials

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Otjozondjupa to hold under-17 trials The Otjozondjupa Region will hold trials for its under-17 football team at Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo this weekend.

The Under-17 Skorpion Zinc Cup was unveiled at the Namibia Football Association Soccer House last month with a one-off N$1.4 million sponsorship for 2017 and with the possibility of being renegotiated for 2018.

Speaking to Nampa on Friday, the chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Football League, Samuel Jantze, said all talented boys are invited to the regional trials.

A team will be picked to represent the region at the tournament to be held in Windhoek. No date has been set for the trials.

“We are inviting all the boys born in 2002 or younger to be part of the selection process to represent the region. I am asking all players to bring along original as well as certified copies of their birth certificates and two recent passport photos,” Jantze said.



The group stages for the Under-17 Skorpion Zinc Cup are:

Group A: Omusati, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Kunene and //Karas

Group B: Ohangwena, Khomas, Oshikoto, Erongo and Kavango East

Group C: Kavango West, Zambezi, Oshana, and Hardap.

Group winners automatically qualify for the semi-finals, while the runners-up in Group A and B, which have five teams each, will face each other to determine the fourth semi-finalist.

Khomas won the maiden edition in 2013 and Omusati won in 2014 and 2015.

NAMPA

Calm before the storm

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Calm before the storm We love boxing because anything can happen, in any given moment, in the ring.

The fight can stop at any given time depending on who wants it more. Pugilism is indeed the theatre of the unexpected. One minute you are standing tall and the next moment you are gasping for air on the floor.

This happened in Moscow last December, when Julius Indongo demolished defending IBF and IBO champion Eduard Troyanovsky with a punch that dazed him 40 seconds into the fight. Nobody saw it coming.

The dethronement caused a great upset in the super lightweight division. Opponents wanted a piece of the boxer who had disrespected an opponent who had more experience than him.

In April this year Indongo met Ricky Burns in the ring and again silenced the crowd in Scotland. During the fight, the Scots ringside assistants asked for Indongo's water to be tested. He must be high on drugs, they said, according to Indongo.

They could not believe how the Namibia kept increasing his momentum in each round, not showing any signs of tiring. Was he that good or was his opponent not ready for the fight?

But those records are something of the past now as Indongo yet again faces the greatest fight of his life when he steps into the ring with Terence 'Bud' Crawford from the US in a week's time.

Both fighters have a story to tell. Both have dreams to be the greatest, but only one man has what it takes to leave the ring victorious.

As the date for the fight nears, Indongo has shown no sign of fear or intimidation as he goes about his daily routine at training. The boxer gears for the fight which would most probably make him the first African boxer to win the world super lightweight title.

This is a great achievement for the police officer who hails from a village where he learned to spar in a backyard and not in an exclusive gym like some athletes.

Indongo's exterior shows no sign of fear or worry, in interviews he looks calm and collected, a man on a mission. When you look at him he seems like he is calculating in his mind the best way to approach his high-class opponent who has won more fights than him.

His calm character could be a good or bad thing, depending on the way you look at it. Good in a sense that his opponent is not aware of the danger facing him. And bad because he seems too relaxed for a man who is about to go to war not only for himself and his country Namibia, but for the whole continent.

They are expecting him to show the great talent Africa has and the hard work he has put in over the years, honing his skills.

Indongo could explode and unleash a beast in the ring, allowing us to see a different side to him, which would be a good thing, or he would remain calm and collected – I am not sure which one will work for him.

Locally there is a video circulating of Crawford as he floors his opponents mercilessly. Does that worry Namibia's finest boxer? I am not sure. Has he been keeping tabs on Crawford? I am sure he has.

What is his plan? Crawford will not take Indongo's punches lying down and will not give him a moment's rest in the ring, he will chase him like a hungry wolf thirsty for blood.

Will Indongo remain timid and allow Crawford to bring the fight to him or will he shed his shy demeanour and sting like a bee?

For Indongo to beat Crawford, he must have far more than a plan A, or even a plan B. He needs to have multiple strategies in the ring. In simple words, he needs to be a beast to defeat one.

But that's something that's far easier said than done. Let's wait and see.



limba@namibian.com

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Debmarine netball cup goes to Khomas

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Debmarine netball cup goes to Khomas The Khomas regional netball team on Saturday beat Erongo 41-29 to lift the Debmarine National Netball championship trophy at the Khomasdal Sports Stadium.

The Khomas team walked away with N$30 000, Erongo won the second prize of N$15 000 and Omaheke, in third place, took home N$9 000.

Out of the 14 regions, only 11 participated in the championship. Rebekka Goagoses, public relations officer of Netball Namibia, was impressed with the way the tournament turned out. She said it would not have been possible without financial assistance from Debmarine.

Khomas coach George Vries said he was proud of his team's achievements. “The ladies worked really hard in training and deserve their victory. I set out three days in which the team competed against three netball teams, namely: Windhoek High School, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Windhoek Gymnasium Private School netball team.

“We had a very tough match against Erongo in the first match in the group stages. From there we went through the other teams like a breeze and beat them when we met in the final. They were good competition,” Vries said.

His next goal is to achieve success with the NUST netball team. They travel to Durban next weekend to compete in the week-long University Games. He also aspires to one day coach the national senior netball team.

The event was sponsored by Debmarine Namibia, which signed a three-year deal worth N$1.8 million with Netball Namibia (NN). The netball organisation will receive N$600 000 a year for the next three years.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

NCF mobilises cyclists for fun day

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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NCF mobilises cyclists for fun dayClubs urge town planners to demarcate cycle lanes Cycling clubs want town planners to consider cycling lanes to protect those on bicycles from motorised traffic. The Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) and several Windhoek's bicycle clubs are inviting all cyclists in Windhoek, under the banner of 'Cycling in the City', to meet at Mega Centre in Kleine Kuppe on Friday.

The purpose of the gathering is to drive home the message that the city urgently needs cycling lanes and routes.

“Although it is policy that Windhoek should have such cycle lanes and routes, they are a very,very long time coming.

“More and more cyclists are seen on Windhoek's congested streets. This is part of an international trend as people turn to the bicycle as an efficient means of transport and an enjoyable way of keeping fit,” said a press release from NCF.

The federation adds that many people get to love their bikes as these ingenious machinese give them a sense of skill, fun and freedom.

The clubs involved are Windhoek Pedal Power, Rock and Rut, Physically Active Youth, Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia and BMX Vertigo.

The large parking lot at Mega Centre will be used for a celebration of cycling.

There will be a live band, refreshments, a basic cycling skills development track, and entertainment for the kids.

Bicycle shops will be on hand to test and adjust bikes for roadworthiness, for free. There will be a secure parking area for bicycles.

At 15:00 there will be a short ride of 2km mainly for the kids. At 17:30 there will be an 8km relaxed, sociable, mass ride. Live music, a lucky draw and refreshments will follow.

Cycling in the City will also be used to raise funds for the NCF's Kids on Bikes project.

Participation in this event is free of charge, but cyclists are asked to register in advance at: http://www.today.com.na/events/cycling-in-the-city, or by filling in a form obtainable from bike shops and info@namcf.org.

Registration will enable the organisers to make better preparations. Only those who have registered will be in line for a generous lucky draw on completion of the rides.

Shops at Mega Centre have put up some very attractive prizes for the lucky draw. There will also be a N$1 000 gift voucher from Pupkewitz Megabuild for the school with the most participants.

SPORTS REPORTER

Kagame wins election by 99%

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Kagame wins election by 99%Could rule Rwanda up to 2034 The election gives Kagame mandate to rule for another seven years but he could rule up to 2034 if he wishes it because of a 2015 constitutional amendment that also allowed him to contest in this election. Rwandans on Saturday celebrated the third-term victory of President Paul Kagame who pledged to continue transforming the nation after winning re-election with a record 98.63% of the vote.

There had been little doubt that the 59-year-old would return to the helm of the east African nation which he has ruled with an iron fist since the end of the 1994 genocide.

“I am very pleased. I had hoped for this victory,” said Yvette Uwineza, a 36-year-old computer scientist.

“The continuity is reassuring,” she said, crediting Kagame with developing the country and creating “a better life for Rwandans.”

Interim results published by the electoral commission on Sunday showed Kagame outdid his previous wins of 95 percent in 2003 and 93 percent in 2010.

“It is clear from what we can see that his Excellency Paul Kagame has been elected with 98.63% which means he is the declared winner as far as the provisional results are concerned,” said the commission's Charles Munyaneza.

The tally matched the proportion of people who supported a constitutional amendment two years ago permitting Kagame to run for a third, fourth and fifth term potentially seeing him rule until 2034.

“I honoured your request, and this (election) confirms that Rwandans made a choice based on the future they want,” Kagame told thousands of supporters at his ruling party's headquarters in Kigali in the early hours of the morning.

“We are going to continue with the work we started by advocating for a better Rwanda.”

Turnout was 96.42% of 6.9 million voters.

Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party - the only permitted critical opposition party - won just 0.45% of votes, beaten into third place by the little-known independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana with 0.72.

Both accepted their loss and vowed to continue in politics.

“I am not going to stop here. I urge all citizens to join be so we can become stronger for the next election,” Mpayimana told AFP.

Rwandans celebrated Kagame's win in muted fashion, with no spontaneous large gatherings in the disciplined nation.

Inside a gymnasium in the capital music and dancers entertained hundreds of party loyalists who celebrated into the morning.

“We are celebrating the presidential election,” said one young man as he danced. “We are celebrating Paul Kagame!” another yelled out next to him.

Kagame has been the de facto leader of Rwanda since, as a 36-year-old, his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800 000 people - mainly minority Tutsis - and seized Kigali in 1994.

He was first appointed president by lawmakers in 2000.

The lanky former guerrilla fighter is one of Africa's most divisive leaders, with some hailing him as a visionary while critics see a despot aiming to become one of the continent's presidents-for-life.

Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts annual economic growth of about 7%, is safe, clean and has little corruption.

Rwanda also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world.

However rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.

Kagame's critics have ended up jailed, forced into exile or assassinated. Few Rwandans would dare to openly speak against him.



NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Shot of the day COOLING OFF: A girl runs through a fountain in downtown Prague as a heat wave hits the Czech Republic with temperatures rising over 35 degrees Celsius. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Do not compare

August 6, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Do not compare Recently a study was done into the workings of the mind of the man who was declared the happiest person in the world. In his own words, the secret to being happy is quite simple – do not compare.

According to him, comparing and comparison, is the single biggest cause of unhappiness in our modern society.

The fact that we are always measuring and comparing ourselves to something and someone else, leads to a mental state of permanent unhappiness.

For us as a nation, there are also important lessons and indicators in this, pointing the way forward.

At a time like the present one, through what we are collectively experiencing, it is not only important to take stock and focus on what really matters, but also about what can be learned from this dire situation we are finding ourselves in.

If the philosophy of the happiest man in the world is applied to this, it seems that it is really rather simple.

Stop, for instance comparing the car that you drive, the house that you live in or the clothes that you wear, to those of others.

In present day Namibia, it only leads to resentment, unhappiness and in no small part, fuels the rampant corruption that is bleeding this country dry and already has it on its knees.

Why else would people just mindlessly rape and consume funds illegally, that are supposed to be used for the common good of all?

Our current situation also points out an important other factor, material goods, no matter in how large quantities acquired, cannot fill or substitute true happiness. The only people benefitting from this, in the end, will be those who artificially create a need, through very clever marketing.

Unfortunately, Namibians bought into this, in a very big way and the need created for the latest, flashiest, most recent must have, has influenced our national psychic in such a way, that we are evidently, unable to discern between what is ethically and morally correct and what is not, in our insatiable quest to get hold of more.