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Noisy ball, silent spectators

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Noisy ball, silent spectatorsNoisy ball, silent spectatorsNPC pilots football for the blind The Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC) is piloting football for the blind in the Khomas Region, which they will later extend to Oshana, Kavango East and Zambezi. The committee representing disabled athletes in Namibia has established three teams of blind football players in the Khomas Region and one team each in three other regions.

Blind football is an adaptation of football for athletes with visual impairments. Teams are made up of four blind outfield players and a sighted goalkeeper.

To ensure fair competition, all outfield players wear blindfolds. Teams can have off-field guides to assist them.

NPC treasurer Nicky Nghumono said Namibia received the go-ahead from the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) in February. The NPD is a registered member of the IBSA and is also affiliated to the African body for blind sports.

“When we came back from the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we went into the regions to find players and form teams,” he said.

The NPC is busy building more teams and will soon select a national team to compete at international competitions.

“Since we got the green light, our teams have just been competing among themselves at their schools in the respective regions,” said Nghumono.

Nghumono said even though they are still new at the game, Namibia has already received invitations from other African countries to play friendly matches.

The NPC received 10 footballs and 10 blindfolds from the international body, which is pushing them to grow the sport code in the country.

Michael Hamukwaya from the NPC added that they decided to introduce the sport in order to attract other disabled athletes to the organisation and to get them involved in sport.

Para-athletes coached by Hamukwaya have been doing exceptionally well in international competitions.

He said not all disabled people can be good runners but they could make good football players.

Hamukwaya said there are many visually impaired people who are just sitting at home having nothing to do and this will motivate them to become active.

The sport caters to men and women alike.

“The competition we had a few weeks ago was received very well. There are many eager athletes in the region and we want to groom them,” he said.

The NPC still needs to set up regional and national structures to kick-start the programme but with the help of IBSA they are positive that it will not be long till they have a full-fledged and active code in the country.

“Finance is a problem when it comes to sport in Namibia but we are positive that with proper marketing and planning we will get many sponsors on board,” he said.

Blind football is played on a rectangular field that is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide. The whole length of the pitch must be covered by kickboards to prevent the ball from going out of play. The ball has a noisemaker inside that helps players orient themselves. As a result, spectators must remain silent while watching the game until a goal is scored.

The duration of the match is 50 minutes, divided into two 25-minute halves.



–Additional reporting Nampa









LIMBA MUPETAMI

West Brom reject Man City's Evans bid

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West Brom reject Man City's Evans bidWest Brom reject Man City's Evans bid NAMPA / AFP

West Bromwich Albion has rejected an offer for centre-back Jonny Evans from Manchester City, manager Tony Pulis confirmed on Friday.

"They made an offer and we've turned it down," Pulis told a press conference.

British press reports said City had tabled an offer of around £18 million ($23.2 million, 19.8 million euros) for Northern Ireland international Evans, who is 29.

"We don't want to sell Jonny and we don't need to sell him," Pulis said. "It would have to be a very, very good offer."

But he added: "I think every player is for sale at the right price. It would be crazy to say a team like West Brom won't sell if a team are going to put a huge amount of money in front of you."

City manager Pep Guardiola is seeking to add cover to his squad in central defence, having already spent over £200 million on new players during the close season.

With Eliaquim Mangala out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola has only John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and injury-prone captain Vincent Kompany at his disposal.

Evans came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and won three Premier League titles and two League Cups at Old Trafford before being sold to West Brom by Louis van Gaal in 2015.

He was named West Brom captain in July after Darren Fletcher, another United old boy, joined Stoke City.

Positive change for clubs

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Positive change for clubsPositive change for clubsPremier League managers back transfer window change Premier League coaches join hands in support of changes in the transfer system of players. Managers of Premier League clubs will vote next month on a proposal to ensure the transfer window closes before the season starts.

A vote will take place at the Premier League shareholders meeting on 7 September and clubs from the lower divisions in the English Football League are set to follow suit next month.

Currently, the window closes on the last day of August but the Premier League season began on 11 August with the lower divisions kicking off a week earlier.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche said the current system can seriously disrupt the work of a manager and his team.

“You don't want to start the season and lose three of your players when you're three games into the season. That could be really hard to take. And that happens,” he said.

“So I think if you could get that done as well, it means that once the football starts, the managers, coaches and teams can just get on with the football.

“And the fans, they can just get on with what they really want to be looking at, and that is football matches.”

Weeks ago, Burnley sold striker Andre Gray to Watford three days before their opening game.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, Swansea boss Paul Clement and Stoke's Mark Hughes are among those who have backed a change.

“From a manager's point of view I would be in favour of the window closing before the season starts because of the disruption it causes,” Hughes said on Friday.

West Ham United's Croatian manager Slaven Bilic supports the idea but has highlighted one potential pitfall to a change the risk of a different window deadline from European leagues.

“For me it is has to be across the leagues. Otherwise there is no point,” he said.

“Ironically, it would put the clubs in a worse situation that you would still lose players if clubs abroad want them and you can't replace them. It would only protect us in that no other Premier League clubs can take your players. “The Philippe Coutinho situation, it would not stop Liverpool losing him but would stop them finding a replacement. It's a great idea, first one I'm definitely like 'yes'. Some teams are losing like 30 percent of their teams.”

NAMPA / REUTERS

Kunamuene to officiate at Women’s Championships

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Kunamuene to officiate at Women’s ChampionshipsKunamuene to officiate at Women’s Championships NAMPA

The Namibia Football Association’s head of competitions, Titus Kunamuene, leaves for Zimbabwe next month to officiate as general coordinator at the 2017 Cosafa Women’s Championship.

The tournament takes place from 13 to 24 September.

He will also handle the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca in Pretoria on 8 September.

Kunamuene said he felt privileged to be asked by Cosafa to be one of the officials overseeing the women’s tournament.

“I will be in charge of the general organisation of the match from protocol, security both on and off the pitch, to pre-match meetings and all the logistics related to a competitive match at a Cosafa tournament,” he said.

He will also be responsible for verifying the player names and numbers, their registration, as well as reporting to Cosafa on how the match and tournament went.

Kunamuene is growing in this field of football administration as evidenced by his recent appointment to handle the coordination of high profile matches on the continent.

To date he has been involved with the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon, the 2016 Under-20 Championship in the same country, as well as several African Champions League and Confederations Cup matches on the continent.

He singled out his assignment in Port Gentil in Gabon for Afcon as the most memorable because of the experience he gained as assistant general coordinator.

“Afcon 2017 was a major event for me as I gained so much knowledge. I also received an excellent review from the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” Kunamuene said.

He added that his appointment and that of other football officials, especially referees, to handle high profile matches show that Cosafa and CAF recognise the expertise Namibia has.

“We just need to change our mindset and avoid being selfish. Our sporting structures need to be revisited,” he said.

Kunamuene holds an International Federation of Football Associations and International Centre for Sports Studies (FIFA/CIES) Executive Programme in Sports Management Certificate, which he obtained through the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

Aakwashigwana yomOutjo onkene taya pula omayamukulo

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Aakwashigwana yomOutjo onkene taya pula omayamukuloAakwashigwana yomOutjo onkene taya pula omayamukuloElelo lyeekelehi omanyenyeto goshigwana Elelo lyondoolopa yaOutjo olya popi utya aakwashigwana mboka taya nyenyeta kombinga yokatomeno koondoongi hoka taka pangelwa okutungwa kondoolopa ndjoka oyeli ompinge neyambukepo lyondoolopa. Oonkundathana dhoka dha ningwa muMei pethimbo lyomutumba gwelelo ngoka gwa ningwa, aanambelewa yelelo ndyoka oya zimine etungo lyokatomeno koondoongi hoka taka tungwa kehangano lyaChina lyoFu Hai Trading Enterprise nelelo oya ekelehi omanyenyeto ngoka ga ningwa kaakwashigwana.

“Elelo olya tala omanyenyeto ngoka na olya mono kutya omauyelele ngoka kage li mondjila, naashoka osho sha etitha aakwashigwana ya kale yeli ompinge nokatomeno hoka.”

Elelo lyondoolopa olya popi kutya omanyenyeto ngoka oga faathana nomanyenyeto ngoka ga li ga ningwa koohandimwe mboka yah ala okuya moshpala omayambulepo mondoolopa.

“Ngele owa tala koominute dhoshigongi shoka sha ningwa momasiku 15 gaMei otashi ulike kutya elelo lyondolopa ndjoka inali kutha ko omanyenyeto gaakwashigwana onga ge na oshilonga,” omukwashigwana gumwe a popi.

Omukwashigwana mboka okwa popi kutya yo itaya yi moshipala omayambulepo gondoolopa ihe otaye gataambako. Okwa pula kutya elelo lyondoolopa yawo olya pyakudhukwa okupopila okatomeno hoka shi thike peni. Okwa tsikile kutya oya tumine elelo ndyoka omapulo muMaalitsa ihe inaya yamukulwa natango.

Moonkundathana dhelelo ndyoka ina mu popiwa kombinga nkene taku ka gandjwa omeya nominino dhiiyekelwahi, oshowo iinima yilwe yi na oshilonga.

MuJuli mayola gOutjo, Marius Sheya, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oya mona omanyenyeto ngoka ga zi moshigwana ihe oompangela dhokatomeno hoka koondoongi odha nuninwa okuyambula po ondoolopa ndjoka.

Oominute dhoshigongi shoka odha ekelehi woo omakumagidho ga ningwa kehangano lyoRoads Authority (RA) mOutjo, ndyoka lya popi kutya oonkalo dheyo meni lyehala ndyoka lyokatomeno, inadhi thika pamulandu gwoompango dhegameno mondjila yokuya meni lyehala ndyoka.

Aakwashigwana oyendji yomOutjo oya popi kutya oya hala omayamukulo ge na uushili na oya lundile omalelo kutya itaga longo nuuyuki moshikumungu shoka.

Neil Mazenge, ngoka eli omuyambidhidho gwOutjo Community Committee (OCC), okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun oshiwike sha piti kutya konima sho uuvu oompangela ndhoka okwa ningi ekwatathano nelelo lyondoolopa ndyoka na okwe li pula opo li ninge oshigongi naakwashigwana ihe inali yamukula.

Mazenge okwa popi kutya elelo lyondoolopa olya li li na okukutha po uumbanda wokuholeka oshili mboka wu li mokati koshigwana ngele andola olya li lya yamukula komanyenyeto goshigwana.

Okwa popi kutya omanyenyeto nuumbanda mboka wuli moshigwana okombinga yaaniilonga mokatomeno hoka, oompango dhegameno mokatomeno, okwaahena uuyuki nuuyelele moshikumungu shoka oshowo omusholondondo gulwe omuleeleka gomanyenyeto nomaiyuvo goshigwana.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Omaponokelo gaatalelipo ga kondemwa

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Omaponokelo gaatalelipo ga kondemwaOmaponokelo gaatalelipo ga kondemwa Ethano ewanawa lyaNamibia otali shundulwa nokuyonagulwa koongangala ndhoka tadhi ponokele aatalelipo moshilongo. Ominista yOmidhingoloko Pohamba Shifeta okwa popi kutya iiponokela mbyoka tayi ningilwa aatelelipo itayi popilwa na otayi ungaungiwa nayo muule woomwedhi twa taalela.



“Uuministeli wOmidhingoloko nOmatalelepo otawu holola omaiyuvo gonayi omolwa iiponokela mbyoka tayi ningilwa aatalelipo moshilongo. Otatu nyana nomuthindo iiponokela shoka sha ningilwa aatalelipo yaAaSouth Afrika moshitopolwa shErongo oshowo aatalelipo yaGermany mboka ya ponokela momudhingoloko gwaBrakwater,” Shifeta a popi mEtitano.



Okwa popi kutya iiponokela mbyoka oyi li eshongo enene koshikondo shomatalelipo moshilongo, na okwa pula oshikondo shegameno lyoshilongo shi kondjithe omaihumbato ngoka guuhwapindi.





Okwa pula oshikondo shuuyuki opo kashi kale shi na onge naalongi yiikulumuna mboka taya tula moshiponga oshikondo shaatelelipo moshilongo.

Okwa pandula elelo lyoshilando shaVenduka sho lya tula miilonga oshikondo shegameno lyaatalelipo oshowo omathano goCCTV pomahala mpoka pwa dhidhilikwa kutya ohapu longelwa unene iimbuluma, okwa popi kutya oshindji osha pumbwa natango okuningwa.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Otavi tayi tungile aakwashigwana omagumbo

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Otavi tayi tungile aakwashigwana omagumboOtavi tayi tungile aakwashigwana omagumbo Etungo lyomagumbo ga thika po-250 momudhingoloko gwomagumbo gwOtavi Extension 4 otali pula nawa komeho.

Ehala ndyoka otali adhika muumbugantu wondoolopa ndjoka na oli na ooplota dha thika po-250 oshowo ooplota 5 dhoongeshefa oonene noongeshefa ooshona dhili 12.

Omukomeho gwiilonga pehala ndyoka, gwehangano lyoGerveyo Property Development and Construction, Joe-Marlin Neff, okwa popi kutya omagumbo ga thika po-60 oga manithwa nale na oge na nale ooyene.

“Otatu tungu omagumbo gomuthika gwopashinanenana otwa nyanyukilwa opoloyeka ndjika molwaashoka otayi pula nawa komeho ngaashi twa pangele,” Neff a popi.

Etungo lyopoloyeka ndjoka olya tameke muApilili gwo-2016. Omagumbo ngoka goondunda mbali noondunda ndatu dhokulala, oge na okombitha, oseti oshowo okandjugo kamwe nenge uwali, na otaga landithwa koshimaliwa shooN$400 000 noN$950 000.

Neff okwa popi kutya omagumbo ngoka otaga tungwa mooplota dhuunene woo square metres 470 no1 180.

Aaniilonga ya thika po-20 yomoshilongo oshowo omahangano ga thika po-11 oga mono iilonga mopoloyeka ndjoka.

Omupeha mayola gwondoolopa yaTavi, George Garab okwa popi kutya ondoolopa yawo oyiitulamo mokukwashilipaleka kutya oya kandula po omukundu gwompumbwe yomagumbo mondoolopa ndjoka muule woomvula ndatu.

Garab okwa popi kutya ewapaleko lyooplotaa dhoka otali tsikile moExtension 4 noExtension 5, moka ooplota dha thika po-400 tadhi ka tungwa muule woomvula mbali twa taalela.

Okwa tsikile kutya ondoolopa yawo oya yi metsokumwe nomina yOtjikoto B2Gold Namibia opo ya tunge omagumbo geli 120 ga nuninwa aaniilonga yomina ndjoka mboka haya zi mOtavi. Okwa popi kutya Ohorongo Cement Factory nayo oya zimine okutunga omagumbo gaaniilonga yawo geli 30. Garab okwa popi kutya omatsokumwe ngoka agehe oga shainwa nale.

Oonakuninga elago mboka ya mono omagumbo gawo mo

Extension 4 oya lombwele onzonkundaneki yoNampa kutya oya pandula sho ya ningi ooyene yomagumbo ngoka. Elizabeth Shinana okwa popi kutya ofamili ye oya nyanyukwa mokumona egumbo lyawo lyoondunda ndatu. Olga Karobes naye okwa nyanyukwa mokukala gumwe gwomwaamboka ya ningi aanelago nokumona omagumbo ngoka.

- Nampa

NAMPA- MULISA SIMIYASA

Aanaskola 7 500 ya ningi omategelelo muule woomvula ndatu

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Aanaskola 7 500 ya ningi omategelelo muule woomvula ndatuAanaskola 7 500 ya ningi omategelelo muule woomvula ndatuAavali naya kuthe ombinga momahwahwameko ge keelelo lyomategelelo mokati kaanona Omwaalu gwaanona yoskola taya ningi omategelelo moshilongo ogwa londa pombanda noonkondo, naasamane aakuluntu mboka taya yi momakwatathano naanaskola oyo taya pewa ombedhi. Aanona yoskola ya thika po, 7 500 oya thigi po ooskola pokati komvula yo-2014 no 2016 konima sho ya ningi omategelelo.

Kwiikwatelelwa komiyalu dhoka dha pitithwa kUuministeli wElongo, aanaskola 4 000 oya thigi po ooskola omolwa omategelelo mo-2016,okuyeleka naanaskola 1 843 mboka ya thigipo ooskola mo-2015, mo-2014 aanaskola 1 797 oya thigi po ooskola.

Oshitopolwa shaHangwena osha lopota omwaalu omunene gwaanaskola 1 552 ya ningi omategelelo sha landulwa kOmusati ngoka gun a aanaskola 1 162 ya ningi omategelelo noKavango East 948.

Oshitopolwa sha //Karas osha lopota omwaalu omushona guli 100 omanga oHardap 187, Erongo 176, Khomas 280, Kunene 399 nOmaheke 245.

Aanona yaamati mboka ya thigi po ooskola omolwa omategelelo oyeli owala 138 muule woomvula ndhoka ndatu. Ominista yElongo, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa oya popi kutya uuministeli itawu pewa we oombedhi omolwa aanaskola mboka taya ningi omategelelo, ihe okwa popi kutya aavali naya yelithe kutya osha ende ngiini aanaskola ya ningi omategelelo omanga haya zi momagumbo gawo.

Hanse-Himarwa okwa popi kutya uuministeli otawu longo kehe shoka tawu vulu opo aanona mboka ya tsikile nomailongo gawo ihe okwa pula aavali naasilishipwiyu ya kuthe ko oshinakugwanithwa.

Omulandu omupe gwelongo otagu utha opo aalongi ya kuthe ombinga metsomukumo lyoofamili opo dhi kuthe ombinga mooprogramma dhopashigwana dha nuninwa okukondjitha eningo lyomategelelo mokati kaanaskola.

Omulandu dhoka odha nuninwa okuyanda omategelelo mokati kaanona yaanaskola, etopolo lyomauyelele, okuhiya oofamili naakwashigwana kiigongiilonga yi na sha noshikumungu shoka, okutsa omukumo oofamili dhi vule okuya moonkundathana naanona kombinga yiihulo, oshowo iikundathanwa yilwe.

Kwiikwatelelwa koForum for African Women Educationalists Namibia (FAWENA) aalumentu mboka ya tseyika noshilukadhina “sugar daddies” oyo taya pewa ombedhi omolwa omategelelo ngoka.

Omukwatakanithi gwoFAWENA na okwa li nale ominista yonkalo nawa yaanona Marlene Mungunda okwa popi kutya omiyalu ndhoka dhi li po itadhu vulu okutotha mo kutya aanona yaanaskola aamati oyo ya gandja omategelelo, molwaashoka mboka ohaya thigi po owala ooskola uuna aanona yaakadhona ya pula opo ya thige po oskola.

Omategelelo gamwe ogeli oshizemo shomakwatonkonga, ihe ihaga lopotwa molwaashoka aavali ohaya kala ye na ohoni yokulopota iipotha mbyoka.

“Ngoka omahokololo omadhigu molwaashoka miitopolwa yaKavango, aanona yamwe otaya ikutha omwenyo molwaashoka oya tindwa koofamili dhawo konima sho ya ningi omategelelo omolwa ohoni ndjoka haya etele oofamili. Moshitopolwa shaZambezi shoka shi li uushiinda niilongo yilwe, aanona ihaya ningi owala omategelelo ihe kwatwa woo kombuto yoHiV,” Mungunda a popi.

Omunapolotika ngoka okwa popi kutya oluhepo oshimwe shomiinima tayi etitha onkalo yomategelelo mokati kaanona yoskola, oshowo onkalo yokwaahena iilonga ndjoka ya thikama poopresenda 34.

“Ope na aakuluntu mboka haya tsu omukumo aanona yawo opo ya kale taya yi momakwatathano naasamane aakuluntu onga omukalo gwokumona iiyemo. Bernardus Harageib, omukomeho gwomahungomwenyo moLifeline/Childline okwa koleke kutya aalumentu aakuluntu oyo taya pewa ombedhi monkalo ndjoka naanona mboka ihaya kala ye na emanguluko lyokukundathana kombinga yiihulo ya gamenwa.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Strong Euro worrying

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Strong Euro worryingStrong Euro worryingECB frets over stronger Euro as stimulus exit nears The European Central Bank is currently scheduled to buy €60 billion in bonds a month until the end of the year. European Central Bank governors expressed concern over the strength of the euro at their last meeting in July, minutes showed on Thursday, complicating their attempts to ease away from stimulus without undermining the recovery.

While the recent appreciation of the euro was partly evidence of the robust health of the eurozone economy, “concerns were expressed about the risk of the exchange rate overshooting in the future”, the ECB minutes stated.

The euro, which has risen some five percent against the dollar in recent months, briefly fell to just under US$1.17 after the minutes were published.

ECB watchers are closely monitoring the Frankfurt-based institution for any sign that it is preparing to roll back its crisis-fighting easy money policies as the euro area recovery picks up speed.

The bank has set interest rates at record lows, offered cheap loans to banks and embarked on a €2.3-trillion bond buying scheme in a bid to bolster growth and push inflation towards its target of just under 2%.

It is currently scheduled to buy €60 billion in bonds a month until the end of the year, and markets expect the bank to begin gradually winding down the scheme, known as quantitative easing (QE), next year.

ECB chief Mario Draghi announced no policy changes at the last meeting in July, and urged markets to be “patient” in the face of stubbornly low inflation despite an uptick in economic growth.

A rising euro risks complicating the bank's delicate balancing act.

A stronger currency makes for cheaper imports, which can lead to lower prices and drive down inflation. It also makes exports more expensive, hurting the Eurozone's competitiveness.

“With the ECB becoming worried about a high exchange rate, one has to wonder whether they will now put their QE tapering plans on hold until central banks of the eurozone's largest trading partners start tightening their policies,” said Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com.

Attention now turns to Draghi's August 25 speech at Jackson Hole, the year's top gathering of central bankers in the United States.

But analysts weren't holding their breath for any major policy shifts soon.

“Today's minutes fit into the picture of an ECB which wants to steer and moderate the process towards tapering extremely cautiously,” said ING Diba bank analyst Carsten Brzeski.

Draghi said at the July meeting that the ECB would begin discussing the future of its bond-buying programme in the autumn.

The governing council will next meet on 7 September.

SA opposes online rhino horn auction

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SA opposes online rhino horn auctionSA opposes online rhino horn auction South Africa said on Friday it would oppose an online auction of rhino horns due to start next week, as outraged conservationists said the sale would undermine the global ban on rhino trade.

The three-day auction by South African John Hume, who runs the world's biggest rhino farm, comes after a ban on domestic trade in the country was lifted three months ago. The government said it would fight Hume's court application to be granted sale permits. “The minister of environmental affairs is opposing the application,” the government said in a statement on Friday, declining to comment further. Hume's lawyer Izak du Toit claimed the permits had already been approved - but not issued.

“We will go to the High Court on an urgent basis,” Du Toit told AFP, ahead of the auction due to start on Monday.

Hume and some other campaigners say poaching can only be halted by meeting the huge demand from Asia through legally “harvesting” horn from anaesthetised live rhinos. He has stockpiles of six tonnes of horns and wants to place 500 kilograms under the hammer.

South Africa is home to around 20 000 rhinos, some 80% of the worldwide population, but in recent years has suffered record slaughter by poachers.

Rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same component as in human nails.

It is sold in powdered form as a supposed cure for cancer and other diseases, as well as an aphrodisiac, in Vietnam and China.

While any auctioned horn could not exported from South Africa, conservationists fear the sale will stimulate black market demand and undermine the four-decade old international ban on rhino trading.

The auction website is in English, but also in Chinese and Vietnamese.

Currently a rhino horn is estimated to fetch up to US$60 000 a kilo on the black market - more than the price of gold or cocaine.

Joseph Okori, of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), described the auction as “deplorable”.

“There is deliberate motive to target people in countries where people consume rhino horns,” Okori told AFP.



NAMPA/AFP

Zim tightens mining earnings

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Zim tightens mining earningsZim tightens mining earnings The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has ordered platinum and chrome miners to surrender 80 percent of their export earnings to the central bank as the country struggles to contain a crippling dollar note shortage.

Previously miners in the southern African nation were required to retain 50% of their earnings.

Mining is the single largest earner of foreign currency in Zimbabwe, making up 62% of total exports in 2016.

“...with immediate effect, 80% of all foreign exchange receipts from Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and Chrome shall be transferred to the Reserve Bank Nostro Account on receipt,” a central bank directive dated 4 August said.

The bank said the measure was to ensure effective administration of foreign exchange and spread liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

In exchange for the foreign currency the central bank will pay the exporter using real time gross settlement, crediting the exporter's account with local currency.

FTSE down slightly

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FTSE down slightlyFTSE down slightlyAirlines drag index down Falls among financials also added pressure to the index, taking nearly 15 points off the FTSE 100. Britain's top share index came under pressure from falls among financials and airline stocks, caught up in a broader risk-off move following the attack in Spain.

A suspected Islamist militant drove a van into crowds in Barcelona on Thursday, killing 13 people and injuring more than 100.

Shares in International Consolidated Airlines, which operates British Airways, and easyJet were the biggest fallers among the blue chips, both down more than 2 percent as the broader European travel and leisure sector dropped 1.4%.

“The entire airline and leisure industry is down today purely from the attacks,” said John Moore, trader at Berkeley Capital.

“People in the forthcoming months, we believe, will be less likely to take trips abroad,” he said, adding that he expected the airline stocks to recover.

Randgold Resources led the handful of risers, up 1.7% as investors sought safety in assets such as precious metals miners and the price of gold rose for the third day straight by political turmoil in the United States.

Falls among financials also added pressure to the index, taking nearly 15 points off the FTSE 100, with HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds among the biggest weights.

British mid-caps were also 0.8% lower, led by a fall in Hikma's shares which extended losses into a second day after trimming its sales forecasts on Thursday.

The health care firm has fallen more than 14 percent over the past two sessions, and broker HSBC cut its target price on the stock.

“Management also repeatedly stated that pricing is cyclical, the industry has been here before and that it will recover. We disagree,” analysts at HSBC said in a note, adding that they expect U.S. drug pricing to remain under increasing pressure through the second half of 2017 and onwards.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Tips for carrying cash safely

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Tips for carrying cash safelyTips for carrying cash safely Cash robbery incidents reported to the police in recent months have been on the increase.

Samuel Zambwe, the manager for forensic services at Nedbank Namibia, says that no one is exempt from becoming a victim of a cash robbery and encourages the public to be cautious when carrying large sums of money to avoid becoming victims.

“Whether you are an individual, a business, a savings club or a stokvel, be extra cautious in order to avoid becoming a victim. People who visit banks to do cash withdrawals or deposits are especially at risk of being targeted.

“The latest trend that we have observed is that syndicates place spotters in the vicinity of bank branches that look out for clients making large cash withdrawals or deposits. These spotters then inform other syndicate members who located at strategic places, who then plan the robbery or simply rob clients when leaving the bank with large sums of money. These robberies normally take place at the victim's workplace, home or while en route to their destination,” says Zambwe.

Zambwe says one way people can avoid becoming victims of cash robberies is by making use of alternative banking methods that do not include carrying cash physically.

“If you have access to electronic banking platforms, why not pay your accounts via cellphone banking or internet banking, which is not only convenient but also safer. You can also choose to swipe your card when you pay for something instead of using cash. At Nedbank, we offer our clients a variety of digital banking channels, including internet and cellphone banking.”

For businesses that keep cash and have to make large deposits or cash withdrawals, there are tips to consider too.

“Businesses can alternate the days, times and routes they take to the bank when making deposits or large withdrawals. Also, consider using different branches in the area as this will allow you to alter your banking pattern further and it is also important to avoid driving to the bank in a company-branded vehicle. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if you believe you are being followed, report it immediately to the police,” Zambwe warns.

Making withdrawals on days such as the first Monday, Friday or Saturday of a month also puts one at risk of becoming a robbery victim.

“Don't tell people, even close associates, that you are going to the bank and do not carry cash in bank bags, briefcases or deposit books because that makes it obvious that you are carrying cash. Another measure you can take is to arrange for payments to beneficiaries through electronic transfers or the bank's own cheques which is a lot safer than making cash withdrawals.

Zambwe emphasises that businesses too, have an obligation to keep money safe.

“Business can also avoid paying casual or contract workers in cash and should rather consider using wage accounts. And as a business, also consider using a cash management service rather than doing your own banking,” he says.

N$918m profit for Capricorn

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N$918m profit for CapricornN$918m profit for CapricornPerformance below expectation, analyst says The Capricorn Group says it expects a challenging operating environment with sluggish economic growth in Namibia to continue in the short to medium term. Capricorn Group Holdings last week released its financial results, reporting a slight increase in operating profit before tax of N$1.19 billion.

According to its group managing director Thinus Prinsloo, the downturn in the economy stifled growth opportunities for the banking sector.

Commenting on the operating environment during the year under review, Prinsloo said: “The Namibian banking sector has been significantly impacted by this downturn, which resulted in a sharp reduction in private-sector credit extension and severe market liquidity constraints.

“As a consequence, growth opportunities for banks were stifled. Banks' profits also came under severe pressure following reduced interest margins due to a substantial increase in cost of funding as the market competed for limited liquid funds.”

The group's net interest income increased by 13.1% to N$1.64 billion largely as a result of the acquisition of CIHB and CCHZ, which contributed 9.8% to the year on year growth.

Impairment charges for bad and doubtful debts decreased by 4.6% to N$58 million, and Bank Windhoek specifically decreased by 23.4% which bears testimony to the quality of the group's loans and advances.

“Notwithstanding the challenging operating environment, the group delivered a solid performance with operating profit before tax for the year ended 30 June 2017 increasing by 2% from N$1.17 billion in the prior year to N$1.19 billion.

“On a normalised basis, excluding one-off income from Angolan kwanza trading in the prior year and the profits of Capricorn Investment Holdings Botswana (CIHB) and Cavmont Capital Holdings Zambia (CCHZ) acquired during the year, growth in operating profit before tax is 4% year on year,” said Jaco Esterhuyse, chief financial officer.

The group's normalised operating expenses increased by 7.1% to N$1.21 billion, evidencing management's focus to control costs during the year under review. The cost to income ratio increased from 50.2% to 53.9%, largely as a result of the higher cost to income ratios of the new subsidiaries in Botswana and Zambia.

CIHB and CCHZ contributed N$4 billion (12.2%) and N$833.5 million (2.5%) respectively to N$33.4 billion total advances. In Namibia, compared to the prior year, Bank Windhoek's growth in loans and advances has slowed down to 7.2%, mirroring the decline in industry growth in credit to the private sector. Bank Windhoek's non-performing loans as a percentage of gross advances remained stable with a slight increase from 1.32% to 1.44%.

Total funding of the group increased by 34.9% to N$37.2 billion mainly due to the acquisition of CIHB and CCHZ. On a normalised basis, Bank Windhoek's funding increased by 7.6% largely due to good growth in term and notice deposits as well as senior debt. Although funding growth has been challenging in the current economic environment, the group has managed to further lengthen its funding maturity profile and decrease its dependency on short term funding.

“The group is expecting the challenging operating environment with sluggish economic growth in Namibia to continue in the short to medium term. Our outlook, however, remains positive with an expectation that the expansion of the group to Botswana and Zambia will contribute to growth of both our balance sheet as well as profit, that our strong drive towards operational excellence will realise cost savings and improve revenue streams and that the recent enhancements to our service offering will improve our delivery of stakeholder value,” concluded Prinsloo.

In its initial impressions, IJG said the results were below expectation.

“The results reflect the difficult operating conditions prevalent in Namibia characterised by low liquidity, higher cost of funding, slowing gross domestic product growth and slower private-sector credit extension. However, the results were also below our, admittedly optimistic, expectations,” IJG analyst Dylan van Wyk said in an initial report released by his firm.

STAFF REPORTER

Youth rugby grows by leaps and bounds

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Youth rugby grows by leaps and boundsYouth rugby grows by leaps and boundsMomentum rugby league concludes The Namibia Schools' Momentum Rugby Boards Trophy League finals took place at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek over the weekend. The rugby tournament offers a great platform for young players to gain experience and exposure. Teams travelled from as far as Mariental to take part in the tournament on Friday and Saturday.



Friday's results

In the under-12 category JTL Beukes Primary School drew 10-10 with Rehoboth Primary School.

Windhoek Gymnasium beat Pro-Ed Academy 13-12 in the under -11 A category.

Orban Primary School beat Origo Primary School 36-7 in the under-13 A category.

Windhoek Gymnasium IV beat Rehoboth I 46-21 in the under-19D category.

Private School Moria met Danie Joubert Primary School in the under -15B category, winning the match 37-7.

Windhoek Barbarians played Peterhouse I (Zimbabwe) and beat them 45-21.



Saturday results

Windhoek High School beat Maurits Devenish Private School under-14 by 22 points to 14.

Otji Rugby's match against M&K Gertze ended 52-22 in the latter's favour.

Pionierspark under-13A faced Walvis Bay Private High School. The final score was 57-32 in favour of Walvis Bay.

In the under-14A category, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool faced Windhoek High School, match ended 12-10 in WAP'S favour.

Windhoek Gymnasium beat Windhoek High School 19-11 in the under-15A category.

In the under-19B category, Pro-Ed Academy I defeated KPS I 29-27.

WHS I took the plate in the under-19 competition after beating WAP 60- 17.

Elnatan I beat Tsumeb Gimnasium Private School 32-17.

Windhoek Gymnasium I played Walvis Bay I and won the 31-9.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Mourinho steels Man Utd for 'roadworks' ahead

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Mourinho steels Man Utd for 'roadworks' aheadMourinho steels Man Utd for 'roadworks' ahead Manager Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United have found their missing confidence after making a dream start to the Premier League season with back-to-back 4-0 wins.

United saw off Swansea City on Saturday, three goals in the final 10 minutes completing a second successive rout after they hammered West Ham United in their opening game of the season.

Mourinho feels the biggest difference in his team from a year ago, when he had just taken charge, is in their mentality, although he warned his players they are yet to be tested.

“The word that better describes the team now is 'confident',” said Mourinho, whose side won in South Wales with goals from Eric Bailly, Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.

“The team starts the game confident, the team starts the second half confident.

“The thing that I want to see but I don't want to see is the team losing and see the way they emotionally react to it, because that's another change, losing and trying to change the result.

“Because in this moment everything is going in our favour, but it's not always a motorway. You always find difficult roads and roadwork's and we have to be ready.

“We started last season with two matches and six points and we finished sixth.

“It's not a lesson, it's a reality of football, two matches are not the end of the world for people that lose and it's not paradise for people that win.

“I am happy, of course, and the quality of the performance gives me even more confidence.”

Mourinho praised his side for keeping their feet on the gas in the second half and paid tribute to his substitutes after Martial came off the bench to score for the second game running.

“In both matches, winning 1-0 at half-time, we didn't start the second half looking like we had to keep a clean sheet to win the match,” said Mourinho.

“We always looked like, 'Let's at least control the game by having the ball and trying to score more goals.' And we did that in both matches.

“Then players on the bench have great quality, so it is easy for me to make changes, and good players make managers look even better.”

Mourinho dismissed suggestions that Pogba, who scored United's third goal, could have been sent off before half-time when he fouled Martin Olsson moments after being booked for catching Tom Carroll.

“I don't even think that the first yellow card was so deserved,” he said.

“The yellow card is a little bit out of context because I thought that Jonathan (Moss, the referee) was having a certain kind of criteria that didn't bring easy yellow cards.

“Because there were actions, especially one on (Nemanja) Matic, that was a yellow card and he decided to speak with the players and go in that direction. So I thought with Paul he would do the same.”

Swansea unravelled in the closing stages of their first game since selling key man Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton.

But head coach Paul Clement said: “We were competitive for long periods of the game, right up until the second goal.

“The difference between the sides for a long time was a set-play. Although we had to defend more than they did, I thought our shape was good and we didn't let them have any real clear-cut chances.

“There were enough good things in the first half for me to say at half-time that we were still very much in the game and must not let our confidence get affected.”



NAMPA/AFP

Mixed emotions after 'imperfect' Springbok win

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Mixed emotions after 'imperfect' Springbok winMixed emotions after 'imperfect' Springbok win South Africa coach Allister Coetzee had mixed feelings after a 37-15 Rugby Championship first-round triumph over Argentina in chilly Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

“I am very pleased with the victory, but it was not a perfect performance,” said the 54-year-old coach who endured a disastrous first season in charge last year.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the Springboks this year following a 3-0 series whitewash of France during June.

Last season, South Africa suffered a calendar-year record eight losses in 12 Tests, including a first to European minnows Italy.

“Our scrumming was outstanding with tighthead Coenie Oosthuizen delivering an exceptional performance,” Coetzee told reporters in the eastern coastal city.

“Mauling is another area where we have improved and the bench made a telling difference when called on.

Among those who came off the bench was 20-year-old flyhalf Curwin Bosch, whose entry three minutes from time was greeted with thunderous applause.

The utility back shone for the Durban-based Coastal Sharks in Super Rugby this year and many pundits believe he is destined to be a Springbok star.

Coetzee said patience and leadership were other contributing factors as South Africa began with a win in a competition that includes world champions New Zealand and Australia.

“The message at halftime was to remain patient and continue adhering to the game plan,” he said.

“Argentina was leaving gaps at the back and I think we exploited them with the players backing themselves when they found space.”

Coetzee also praised the defensive tactics, saying: “The Pumas attacked us close to the rucks and we were ready for that with the guys putting in some big tackles.”

But Coetzee, who survived public and media calls for his resignation after the horror 2016 season, said there were also areas that concerned him.

“We need to improve in a number of areas, such as the lineouts and our tactical kicking,” admitted the former provincial scrumhalf.

Skipper and lock Eben Etzebeth hailed the near-capacity 43 500 crowd who braved late winter conditions to back the green and gold.

“A lot of credit must be given to the supporters here in Port Elizabeth,” said the stand-in skipper with number eight Warren Whiteley sidelined by a groin injury.

“They created a great vibe, not only this evening, but also during our open training sessions during the week.”

Rugby Championship title-holders New Zealand scored eight tries and led by 48 points at one stage en route to a 54-34 victory over Australia in Sydney earlier on Saturday.

The bonus-point victory gave the All Blacks five points, the Springboks have four and the Wallabies and Pumas are pointless. New Zealand play Australia in Dunedin and Argentina face South Africa in Salta on Saturday.



NAMPA / AFP

Stoke steal Arsenal's shine

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Stoke steal Arsenal's shineStoke steal Arsenal's shineArsenal don't get fair share of penalties, claims Wenger Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger complained that his side was denied a goal and a penalty in Saturday's game against Stoke City. Arsene Wenger believes his side does not receive its fair share of penalty decisions, a view he claimed was demonstrated in their 1-0 Premier League defeat at Stoke City.

The Arsenal manager was left beaten by an early second-half goal from Stoke's new Spanish forward Jese, signed on loan last week from PSG and whose training had been curtailed by his newborn son requiring a medical procedure.

But, while accepting that his side had not performed well, the veteran French manager was also left fuming by two failed penalty appeals for a handball by Kurt Zouma and foul by Mame Diouf.

“We don't get penalties, we know that,” said Wenger.

“I can get the numbers you will see. Look at the statistics. We had the highest penalties against us at home by a mile and the lowest number for us.”

To add to the manager's bad mood, he also saw a second half “equaliser” by record signing Alexandre Lacazette ruled out for offside, a decision by referee Andre Marriner which television replays suggested had been correct by a matter of millimetres.

“I watched it, it's not offside at all,” said Wenger. “Even his foot was not offside but we have to swallow that.

“We should have scored and it's just another detail that didn't go our way.”

Among many disappointing Arsenal performances, German international Mesut Ozil was particularly underwhelming, with television pundits picking him out for special attention, although Wenger would not criticise him.

“I think he did try,” said the manager. “It is difficult to single anybody out. Personally, I don't think he deserved it.”

Wenger also confirmed that Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez, who trained with the team in London on Friday, will be available for their next game on Sunday against Liverpool, after being linked with a potential move away from the club.

But, in the meantime, having conceded three goals in the opening weekend victory over Leicester, Wenger insists he is not panicking about his team in that area.

“Last week we conceded two goals from corners,” he said. “They only had three shots on goal so I don't think defended so badly on set-pieces, yes.

“Today, the goal we conceded we were 100 percent guilty but it was the kind of night when, not only we didn't score, but stupid mistakes first by losing the ball centrally and then by defending poorly cost us.”

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Mark Hughes believes his new signing Jese will set the Premier League alight after his debut goal came on the back of a solitary training session with his new club.

The 24-year-old Spaniard had also missed an entire week's training before arriving in Stoke due to a family illness.

“He's an elite player,” said Hughes. “A player that can change games for teams, I'm delighted he's here.

“Everybody has seen what he is going to bring to Stoke and bring to the Premier League. We're glad he's in our colours because he's going to light up the Premier League.

“I saw glimpses of that in training and knew if we could get him on the pitch and give him some minutes he would have opportunities to show what he can do. He can be devastating.

“He's not up to speed yet. He's only had one significant training session and missed a week's training last week because his newborn child had a minor operation.

“But he came in and wanted to make an impression and really enjoyed his first taste of the Premier League.”



NAMPA / AFP

SuperSport can broadcast Namibian sport: Khobane

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SuperSport can broadcast Namibian sport: KhobaneSuperSport can broadcast Namibian sport: Khobane Availability of finances and broadcasting rights play a major role in determining whether local sport can be aired on DStv platforms, SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane has said.

Speaking to local media practitioners from Randburg in South Africa, Khobane said SuperSport was open to broadcasting Namibian football matches and other sport programmes.

“If rights holders approach us and sell them to us, we would consider broadcasting those matches. But we will also look at how viable that is for us, looking at things like the interest from the viewers, the availability of sponsors and other resources like manpower and equipment,” he said.

He added SuperSport want to provide their customers with real value by broadcasting quality sport programmes. When asked how his company builds capacity in countries where they broadcast, Khobane said that depends on the needs in terms of skills development and the availability of funds to train these people.

“If we sign a long-term contract with a particular country to broadcast a certain sporting code, then we will use locals for the whole production. That means we will have to train these people in order for them to be up to our standards of production,” he said.

Khobane added that as much as they would like to broadcast certain programmes from different locations in Africa, funding does not always allow it.

NAMPA

Changing lives through wheelchair basketball

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Changing lives through wheelchair basketballChanging lives through wheelchair basketballSport is important for everybody Wheelchair basketball is finding new ground under the tutelage of Bjorn Magg. Local biokineticist Bjorn Magg is helping disabled men and women to find purpose through wheelchair basketball.

Disabilities are still wrongly perceived by some as a limitation. Often, people with disabilities have to rely not just on others, but on certain equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs to go about their daily activities. But many of them do not see themselves as 'victims', confined to their equipment.

They are continuously pushing against the odds in many areas, including sports.

It is heart-warming to watch people with disabilities playing basketball. This is what is happening in Namibia, particularly in Windhoek, Oshana and Ohangwena where wheelchair basketball clubs have been established.

The Wheel-Ability Sports Club in the capital started off as a social club, but has grown after receiving 14 sports chairs and four racing chairs, says Magg, who is coaching players to reach their full potential.

Magg is a born and bred Namibian who attended school at Delta Secondary School, studied biokinetics in Pretoria and now runs his own practice.

He says he enjoys playing squash and taking part in water sports when he is not coaching the wheelchair basketball team.

His interest in wheelchair basketball began in his final year of studies when he worked with a biokineticist, who was training a wheelchair basketball player.

“It was very inspirational for me to see this paraplegic individual train so hard. Ever since then I wanted to get involved in the sport in one way or another.

'When I finally got back from my studies, I looked for a team to get involved with. I got in contact with a team called Wheel-Ability Sports Club, and after our first get-together I was basically pronounced manager of the team. Time flies, as this is five years ago already.

“Currently, we have 16 active members at our club, of whom two are females. We do have more members on the books but they unfortunately aren't all that active.”

Magg says on international level only disabled athletes are allowed to compete in the sport but at club level able-bodied athletes are allowed to make up the numbers.

There is a classification system in wheelchair basketball allowing players to compete with different levels of disability. “Each player gets classified, staring at 1.0 going all the way up to 4.5: the higher the degree of disability, the lower the classification,” Magg explains.

Much like other sport codes in the country, the club does not receive regular funding from corporates. “We just make do with what we have. If there is some sort of need, we do fundraisers and approach companies for assistance. The main support we get is from the MVA Fund and Red Bull Namibia,' he says.

He hopes that more people will join the club.

“My personal vision is for the club to progressively and constantly improve. We have already extended our offers from just wheelchair basketball to also wheelchair racing and adaptive cycling. These two additional sports are mainly organised by one of our players who also is the team captain, Roodly Gowaseb.'

The coach says transport is always a big issue for players. “It would be great if the government would finally be able to improve our public transport, especially with attention to people with disabilities.

“We do have multipart wheelchairs, however if we want to get more competitive we would need to get customised basketball chairs for our players.

“This however is a very costly project, as each chair would roughly cost N$35 000. We always appreciate it if the public supports us when we have fundraisers for specific projects like going to tournaments. Currently we are in need of new tubes and tyres for our wheels.”

Magg believes that sport is important for everyone, disabled or not.

“It's a powerful tool to promote health, confidence, teamwork and positive interaction. Hence I strongly advise the parents of any child with a lower-body disability to come to one of our practices and at least try it out once.”

Those interested in enrolling for wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling or wheelchair racing can contact Magg on Facebook: Wheel-Ability Sports Club, on 061 241785 or e-mail him at magg.biokinetics@gmail.com

Practice is on Sundays at 15:00 at the Katutura Youth Centre.

LIMBA MUPETAMI
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