Spurs' title chances fading, admits Pochettino

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Spurs' title chances fading, admits PochettinoTottenham in trouble Mauricio Pochettino admits that Tottenham Hotspur's chances of making a realistic challenge for the Premier League title are fading as once again they struggled to break down a defence-minded team at Wembley. Prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw with manager-less West Bromwich Albion, Pochettino's men had just one Premier League goal in three matches and have drawn with Burnley, Swansea City and now West Brom this season.

Pep Guardiola's league leaders Manchester City, having no such problems in creating or scoring against all-comers, are 10 points ahead of Spurs as they went into Sunday's match at Huddersfield Town.

“We moved the ball so slow in the first half hour,” complained Pochettino. “But maybe because we concede the goal it was a massive impact for us.

“In the last 15 minutes we played better, moved the ball better and found better space. The second half was very good, the team played very well and we created many chances.

“It is disappointing to drop two points. But it is difficult for me to explain why we have not won the game today.” Despite boasting the attacking talents of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, Spurs have struggled to breach teams who are prepared to defend deep.

In the first half in particular, Tottenham lacked the guile to slice through the Baggies and were often reduced to shots from distance and visiting keeper Ben Foster was rarely troubled.

“The effort against West Bromwich was massive but in the last third, we need to be more clinical in front of goal,” added Pochettino.

“I don't like to talk about the start. But the team created the chances to win and the possibility to score. Only Harry (Kane) rescued one point but it is true our performance was enough to win but we didn't win.”

Should City win, they will be 13 points clear of Spurs. Asked if that was too big a gap, Pochettino conceded: “Yes it is true. The gap is now 10 points and that is massive in the Premier League.

“We need to be focused and be more consistent here at Wembley. It is different to White Hart Lane but that is our reality.”

Tony Pulis was dismissed as West Brom's manager after a poor 4-0 home defeat by Chelsea weeks ago. Gary Megson took temporary charge and he was delighted with his team's performance. Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has been linked with the job at the Hawthorns but Megson refused to confirm or deny if he was interested in the position on a permanent basis.

“I have never said and I won't say that I'm interested in the job,” said the former Leicester City manager, who also managed West Brom earlier in his career.

“If someone else comes in first thing in the morning, that's fine. I will speak to them; tell them what I know about the squad and the goings-on at the club.

“If the worst comes to the worst and I don't get offered anything anywhere else, then I'll go travelling again and continue playing golf badly.”



NAMPA / AFP

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Barshin and Thiam athletes of the year

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Barshin and Thiam athletes of the year Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Nafissatou Thiam of Belgium were named the male and female World Athletes of the Year at the IAAF Athletics Awards 2017, held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Friday.

Barshim, 26, was one of the most consistent and dominant athletes of the year. Starting with a 2.35m leap in Jeddah in April and ending with a 2.40m jump in Eberstadt in August, Barshim pieced together an undefeated season across 11 competitions.

He won the world title in impressive fashion, clearing all of his heights up to his winning mark of 2.35m on his first attempt.

One week after his triumph in London, he jumped a world-leading 2.40m in Birmingham and followed it four days later with a winning jump of 2.36m in Zurich to secure the IAAF Diamond League title.

Barshim ended the 2017 season with nine of the best 11 jumps in the world this year, capped by his two 2.40m leaps. He is the first high jumper in history to leap 2.40m or higher in five successive years.

Thiam, the recipient of last year's Female Rising Star Award after claiming the Olympic heptathlon title, began 2017 by winning the European indoor pentathlon title with a world-leading 4 870 points.

Two months later, the 23-year-old climbed to third on the world heptathlon all-time list after winning at the IAAF Combined Events Challenge meeting in Gotzis with 7 013 points, producing a series that included a 1.98m high jump and a 59.32m javelin throw.

At the World Championships in London, Thiam lived up to expectation in all seven disciplines to take the title.

NAMPA / ANA

Kovalev recaptures WBO title with 2nd round TKO

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Kovalev recaptures WBO title with 2nd round TKO Russian power puncher Sergey Kovalev got back into the win column on Saturday, making quick work of Vyacheslav Shabranskyy with a second round technical knockout win to reclaim the WBO light heavyweight title.

Kovalev, who was coming off a pair of back-to-back losses to Andre Ward, looked like his old dynamite self in knocking down the Ukraine fighter three times in the first two rounds before the referee stopped it with 24 seconds left in the second at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Kovalev got himself back in the 175-pound division mix as he finished Shabranskyy off late in the second round.

The referee stopped it with Kovalev landing punches at will as a defenceless Shabranskyy stumbled backwards.

“I did it,” said Kovalev, who improved to 31-2-1. “I know that I am back.”

The 34-year-old Kovalev knocked Shabranskyy down for the first time in the fight with a right hand to the head halfway through the opening round.

Then with 20 seconds left he connected again with an overhand right followed by a left hook that sent his opponent to the canvas.

Kovalev continued the onslaught in the second, scoring another knockdown with 65 seconds left and then quickly finishing it off.

“It is my goal to be best in this division.

The last fight I was stopped and it was an illegal decision by referee. I am ready to fight for all the titles,” Kovalev said.

Now that he has the WBO belt back in his grasp, Kovalev plans to recapture WBA and IBF titles.

He lost all three belts when he suffered consecutive losses to Ward, who then retired leaving the WBO title vacant.

This was also Kovalev's first fight with his new coach Abror Tursunpulatov whom he hired after firing former trainer John David Jackson.



NAMPA / AFP

SuperSport miss out on Confed crown

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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SuperSport miss out on Confed crown SuperSport United were unable to claim their first African trophy as they were held 0-0 by DRC giants TP Mazembe in the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup final on Saturday night.

The result at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane allowed the Ravens to claim a 2-1 aggregate triumph and defend the prize they won for the first time last year.

Mazembe began strongly and looked to take the game to United rather than sit back and defend their lead.

Their positive attitude should have paid dividends in the 10th minute when Rainford Kalaba sprung the offside trap, but faced with only the goalkeeper to beat he struck his shot wildly over the target.

Four minutes later Kalaba did some fine work down the left flank to get to the byline and pull a dangerous ball back, but Daniel Nii Adjei somehow shot wide of the near post when it seemed easier to score.

United took some time to get a foothold in the game, but it was a sign of their growing strength that they had a goal ruled out - correctly - for offside just before the half hour mark, as Tefu Mashamaite found the net with a diving header from Dean Furman's cross.

The hosts made a change at the start of the second half, as they introduced Grant Kekana in place of the injured Siyabonga Nhlapo, and they created the first clear chance after the restart when a corner kick was flicked on by Clayton Daniels and just missed by both Mashamaite and Bradley Grobler.

SuperSport dominated the majority of the second half, but on a wet, heavy pitch they struggled to create openings.

In fact, their first shot on target only arrived in the 73rd minute when substitute Dove Wome saw his effort easily saved by Sylvain Gbouhouo.

Mazembe were reduced to 10 men in the 82nd minute when defender Chongo Kabaso picked up a second yellow card in quick succession and was sent for an early shower, yet United 'levelled' the game to 10 v 10 when Thuso Phala was shown a straight red in the final minute of regulation time for a studs-up challenge.

It proved to be the last major flashpoint as the game ended 0-0 and Mazembe were justly rewarded for a superb defensive performance.

SUPERSPORT

O'Shea speechless after South Africa rout

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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O'Shea speechless after South Africa routSpringboks impress Italy's normally talkative Irish coach Conor O'Shea conceded he was speechless after South Africa ran in five tries to crush Italy 35-6 and avenge last year's historic defeat. Allister Coetzee's Springboks outplayed Italy on all levels with the Azzurri managing just two penalties under the rain in the north-eastern town of Padua, not far from Venice.

It was the first visit to Italy by Coetzee's side since their 20-18 defeat in Florence in November 2016, their first loss ever to Italy.

“It's always very difficult to describe a game like that. We just have to say that South Africa were better than us today,” said O'Shea.

“It is difficult to find the right words. However, I am happy that in the coming years we will have a team that is of the same level.”

South Africa led 21-6 at the break in the Euganeo Stadium with tries from Francois Louw, Bongi Mbonambi and Francois Venter.

Steven Kitshoff and Franco Mostert touched down two more after the break, with man of the match Handre Pollard converting four and replacement Elton Jantjies adding the fifth conversion.

“Rugby is always a matter of field energy, and today South Africa had more than us,” continued the former Harlequins coach with flyhalf Carlo Canna the scorer of Italy's two penalties.

“The South African players are very strong and it was difficult to counter them.

“At this time, the keyword must be resilience in the face of defeat. With this group we are going through an incredible journey and we want to make the difference in the future with a growing team depth.”

Captain Sergio Parisse added: “In the second half it was particularly difficult to move the ball and we clashed in front of a very dense and compact defensive South Africa, but this is certainly not a justification for us.

“We will see at the end of the World Cup where we will be, to date with Conor and the guys we are convinced that we are on the right track.”

It is the second straight defeat for Italy after losing 31-15 to Argentina in Florence last weekend.

The Italians had ended a series of nine consecutive losses going back to their win over South Africa by winning their opening November Test against Fiji 19-10 in Sicily.

Under O'Shea who took over in March 2016 Italy has won only four of 22 Tests and three of those were against tier-two nations.



NAMPA / AFP

Klopp looks on bright side after Chelsea draw

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Klopp looks on bright side after Chelsea draw Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he would take the positives from his side's 1-1 draw with Chelsea despite the disappointment of conceding a freak 85th-minute equaliser.

Mohamed Salah's goal against his former club looked set to restore Liverpool to winning ways after their calamitous 3-3 draw against Sevilla, only for Willian's mishit cross to earn Chelsea a point. Liverpool remain fifth and will fall 14 points off the pace in the Premier League if Manchester City win at Huddersfield Town on Sunday, but Klopp said he had been encouraged by his team's display.

“In our situation, if we would really think about Manchester City we would be crazy,” said Klopp, whose side had let a 3-0 lead slip against Sevilla in mid-week.

“How can we get Manchester City? We have to win games, but if they go on winning all their games, we can do whatever we want.

“I'm happy about big parts of the performance. I'm really proud of the attitude. Everything was good until Willian crossed the ball.

“The world is in a strange, crazy place at the moment and there are much more important, crazy things that are happening. I can easily live with a point against Chelsea.”

Willian struck two minutes after coming on for Davide Zappacosta, drifting across the box from left to right before lifting a cross towards the back post that dropped beneath the crossbar. Klopp had been trying to send on the fit-again Adam Lallana in order to change to a back three and said he was mystified by referee Michael Oliver's initial refusal to allow the change to take place.

“In my mind, Ragnar Klavan would have been in exactly the position where Willian crossed the ball,” Klopp said. “That means we would have blocked the cross. So you don't feel too good when the ref doesn't allow you to change the system because he thinks maybe it's time play (wasting) or something. “I've no idea why he said no.” Klopp said Chelsea had played more defensively than he had expected and summarised their approach as: “Deep defending and giving the ball to Eden Hazard.”

But Chelsea manager Antonio Conte felt his team had “dominated” the second half and said Liverpool's goal tucked away by Salah following a loose touch by Tiemoue Bakayoko had also been fortunate.

Asked if Willian's lob had been deliberate, Conte smiled and said: “It's not important. It was important to score. “But at the same time I think that we conceded the first goal in an unlucky way. “It was a fair result, but in the end I think that we deserved a little more than Liverpool.”

The result kept Chelsea in third place, but they now trail second-place Manchester United by three points and will fall 11 points behind City if Pep Guardiola's side prevail at Huddersfield.



NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Shot of the day UNMOVED: A supporter of Kenyan's opposition party National Super Alliance (NASA) reacts during a demonstration following the arrival of opposition leader Raila Odinga to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport on 17 November 2017 in Nairobi. Three men were shot dead as Odinga returned to Kenya that day, with police firing tear gas at his convoy and supporters, an AFP reporter saw. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Voice for the voiceless

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Voice for the voiceless More than 7 200 cases related to gender based violence (GBV) against Namibia's wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, daughters - were registered with the Namibian police over the past two years.

The police on Friday said despite a lot of work on the ground to tackle the rash of violence against women, and children, there was a 23% increase of GBV cases, from 3 229 to 3 976 registered with the police in those years. But as sky high as these figures are, experts say only about 40% of the one in three women worldwide who experience violence seek any form of help.

Translated, that could mean that although 7 205 cases were reported, at least 10 000 were not. “These physical, sexual and psychological acts, such as early marriage, beatings, and rape are acts most commonly perpetrated against a woman simply because she is a woman,” a speaker at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism said in Windhoek on Friday. And, as has become hopelessly clear, “in its absolute and worst form, GBV ends with death.” Often, their murders, at the hands of loved ones, long-time partners, fathers of their children, resemble bizarre horror movie tropes, including pangas, axes, knives and other deviant methods. A terror of a similar fate keeps many women trapped in relationships they are too petrified to leave, and keeps them from speaking up, reaching out. Instead of telling parents, brothers and sisters, friends – many of whom in any case prefer not to interfere - or even the law, they remain silent, terrified, paralyzed. A women's right activist on Friday said the silence that chokes these victims, should be seen as a new form of slavery, or bondage. The question is how do we reach out to these women, and to the men who abuse and kill them? The answers are complex. Many factors play a role, including early childhood education, poverty, substance abuse, patriarchal norms, harmful cultural practices, and more. The experts say the first step is to dig in and get the data. The clearer the issue is, the more effectively we can tackle it. Second: let the victims know they can speak up safely, support campaigns and groups that offer safe harbor and make all gender based help services effective, emphatic and available.

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Football tournament to hit Arandis

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Football tournament to hit Arandis Local footballer Tangeni Shipahu, who has been making strides in Thailand, will host a football tournament at Arandis on 2 and 3 December.

Twenty teams are expected to take part in the tournament, of which 15 have already registered.

The tournament is sponsored by Jay Jay Panel Beating, Sage Investment, Standard Bank Swakop, Volkswagen Autohaus and Mekenificient amongst others.

“We invited all first-, second- and third-division teams and non-registered teams from around the country to join us in the tournament,” said Shipahu.

“We also wished to invite NPL teams but due to their busy schedule and the league which just started we didn't want to cause problems.”

He said there would be lots of prizes for the top goal scorer, best player of the tournament and most disciplined team on the day.

“And not forgetting the fans. They will also stand a chance to win through competitions. All in all this will be a great weekend for people and over all for those living in Arandis.

“This is just part of me being me and giving back to the sport that made me who I am,” he said.

The winners will pocket N$15 000, the runners-up N$9000 and the third-placed team will receive N$5 000. The due date for registration is 30 November. Registration fee is N$1800. Interested teams can call Fisher at 081 332 6760, Andjoks at 081 320 3500 or DeLa at 081 365 8096.

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Transformation in cricket not a quick fix: Forster

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Transformation in cricket not a quick fix: ForsterInclusivity in all sports needed Making cricket more inclusive would require a lot of money to provide facilities and coaches, cricket boss Peter Forster says. Cricket Namibia (CN) chief executive officer Peter Forster says a lot of mechanisms need to be in place for the 50 percent transformation for people of colour to be achieved in cricket.

He said this in an interview with Nampa on Thursday.

Forster said currently, there are a lot of things that are needed to fully decentralise the game of cricket to all the regions in the country and meet the 50 percent transformation.

“There are a range of things that we need to have in place to allow development to occur.

That includes facilities, because you can't play basic cricket without facilities. This includes equipment and good coaching,” he said.

He added that it would not make sense to introduce cricket to areas that do not have the necessary infrastructure in place.

“Transformation in cricket is not a quick fix, because all the plans for that to happen require money,” he said, referring to coaching staff and infrastructure.

“It won't make sense to take the game to places where kids have to travel distances to venues or take cricket to a place where there are no coaches qualified to train them daily.”

Forster stated that the lack of human resources in the different regions contribute to the slow transformation of the game. John Heynes, operations manager at CN, said a lot of players of colour are talented, but a lot of guidance is needed to help them remain in the sport.

“I can say I am really privileged to have been a player, coach and now in a management position from a group of people of colour in the sport,” he said.

Heynes said based on his experience in Namibian cricket, players of colour need to be guided well through the system, because they sometimes quit the sport for other sports played daily in their towns or neighbourhoods.

“Transformation in cricket is not going to come in a day,” he said.

He said the current management was working towards implementing a hub where Kwata cricket players could graduate from softball cricket to hardball.

Kwata is CN's developmental programme that targets players in primary schools.

Currently, CN has one player of colour in the under-11 programme, three in the under-13 programme, two players of colour in the under-15 programme and five in the under-19 programme.

There are no players of colour in the under-17 development programme.

Heynes said players of colour who played in the under-15 division were promoted to under-19 instead of the under-17 programme, explaining the deficit of players of colour in the under-17 programme.

NAMPA

Donation to Otjerunda homestead

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Donation to Otjerunda homestead A homestead of 51 family members at Otjerunda village in the Opuwo urban constituency in Kunene on Wednesday received assistance in the form of food and other goods from their constituency office.

The head of the homestead, Hinauandje Kambapa, told Nampa that the recipients make a living by looking after other people's livestock and doing odd jobs anywhere in the region.

A total of 41 of the 51 family members are below 20 years of age, Kambapa told Nampa.

“I am appreciative of what God and the government did to assist my family and I,” Kambapa said emotionally.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at the handover, Opuwo urban constituency councillor Weich Mupia said the families were identified through a project outreach initiative undertaken in September this year.

Village headman Mbuze Tjijeura appealed to the offices of the governor and the constituency councillor to keep visiting and identifying other poor residents who are in need of similar assistance.

He thanked the Namibian government for taking care of the needy members of society, while also requesting for a kindergarten to be built at Otjerunda to prepare children for formal education.

Senior administration officer Abner Namgongo told Nampa that they were assisted by the governor's office, the gender ministry and the Red Cross.

The representative from the governor's office, Theodor Kazombiaze, called on members of the community to apply for micro-financing so that they can start their own small businesses in order to sustain themselves.

Kazombiaze said the offices of the regional councillor and the governor were ready to assist in the establishment and development of community projects focusing on areas like irrigation and sewing, among others.

“Communities should come up with proposals and approach the respective constituency offices for assistance,' said Kazombiaze.

Otjerunda village is situated about 30 kilometres east of the regional capital, Opuwo.

NAMPA

Namibian children left behind

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Namibian children left behindLess than 10% in preschool education Very few children in the Kunene and Omaheke regions are benefiting from the government's early childhood development programmes. The latest demographic survey released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) indicates that there are too few children enrolled in any early childhood development (ECD) programmes.

The Kunene Region is performing very badly where a very small number of children are exposed to any form of early childhood development.

Namibia's population aged 0 – 5 years currently stands at 388 202, of whom only 8.8%, or 1 888 children, are estimated to be exposed to early childhood development programmes.

Apart from the Kunene Region, Omaheke also has a considerably low number of children that are exposed to forms of early childhood development.

“At regional level, a higher proportion of children attending ECD were in the Erongo Region at 37.7%, the Khomas Region at 34.3% and the Oshana Region at 33.6%,” the NSA said.

At national level, 24.6% of the population attended ECD facilities.

When comparisons were made between the rural and urban areas, it was found unsurprisingly, that access in urban areas was better with 30.4% attending ECD programmes while only 19.9% were found to be attending in rural areas.

When categorised even further, 79.1% of the children involved in ECD programmes were exposed to education-care programmes, 19.2% were enrolled in pre-primary education programmes while 1.7% were attending primary schooling.

“At regional level, the percentage of the population who were attending ECD was higher in areas such as Oshana at 53.5% and the Ohangwena Region at 51% while those not attending were more prominent in regions such as the Kunene Region at 76%, Omaheke at 72.4% and the Kavango East Region at 60.1%,” the NSA said.

The main reason for not attending at national level was distance to centres, which was cited by 41.6% of the target population, while 36.2% were not attending due to illness, the NSA noted.

Illness and disability accounted for less than 2% of the reasons for not attending ECD.

At national level, 36.2% of the surveyed population cited financial constraints as the reason for not attending ECD programmes, 41.6% cited distance to ECD centres, 15.7% cited did not categorically specify reasons for not attending while only 1.4% cited illness as the reason for not attending ECD programmes.

Some 4% of the surveyed population could not provide a reason for not attending ECD programmes.

OGONE TLHAGE

BMW Motorrad launches K 1600 'Bagger' in SA

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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BMW Motorrad launches K 1600 'Bagger' in SALatest entry into cruiser market Riding the Bagger feels a bit like driving a luxury car. Dries van der Walt - BMW Motorrad chose the scenic and sinuous roads of the Mpamalanga Escarpment to launch their latest entry into the cruiser market, the K 1600 B 'Bagger'.

Based on the mechanicals of the K 1600 GTL tourer which we had previously reviewed, styling-wise the Bagger's is a slightly commecialised version of the “Concept 101” concept study shown at the 2015 Concorso d'Eleganza in Italy.

The Bagger features a drop-shaped silhouette, which terminates in deep-set side cases with integrated US-style rear lights.

One look at the bike is enough to make it obvious that the United States is the primary target market, a fact which the general manager of BMW Motorrad SA, Edgar Kleinbergen, confirmed during the launch.

The fairing features a low but effective wind screen, and deflectors to protect the rider's hands from the elements. The rear-view mirrors also match the design concept, but offer they a good view of the traffic behind thanks to the large mirror surfaces which include an aspherical element.



Features

The electronically controlled Dynamic ESA chassis offers “Road” and “Cruise” modes. In the standard “Road” setting, damping adaptation is fully automated, while “Cruise” mode offer much more damping for comfortable riding at low speeds.

The net result is that riding the Bagger feels a bit like driving a luxury car, not unlike the sensation we noticed on the K 1600 GTL.

Of particular interest to me was the reverse assist feature. This is activated by pressing a button on the left-hand handlebar panel to select reverse mode, and then pressing the starter button which causes the bike to reverse under the power of an electric motor.

I had my doubts about this arrangement, but in practice it actually works extremely well – the bike backs up slowly with no effort from the rider, a handy feature on such a heavy machine.

The launch bike was equipped with the optional Shift Assistant Pro. While I have made no secret in the past of my dislike of quick shifters, I have to admit that I may now have met one that I could live with. The bagger's shifter works particularly well at low revs and seems to prefer small throttle openings. Under relaxed riding conditions, shifting (both up and down) is smooth and effortless, adding to the Bagger's luxurious feel. – Wheels24

Angula sets sights on Mexico

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Angula sets sights on Mexico Disabled swimmer Matheus 'Spiderman' Angula is ready to take part in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) 2017 World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico.

The championship will take place between 2 and 7 December. Angula is departing tomorrow.

He will use the championship as an entry event to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

The swimmer said he would focus on his strokes in order to produce the best time in the championship, which is to swim below 50 seconds.

“We are happy that we received help from a number of people who contributed towards this trip, but due to the cancellation of our first trip in September we are going to pay penalties to airlines, but I am happy the competition dates have finally been set,” said Sonia Lindemeier, his coach.

She said the athlete is currently swimming 49 to 50 seconds in the metre freestyle which is a good sign ahead of their trip.

Apart from his coaches support Angula is receiving immense support from his family members who have been following his swimming career.

“He has been training tirelessly and we are proud of him. We wish him all the best in Mexico,” said his brother, Eliakim Angula.

More than 900 athletes from 65 countries are expected to compete for top spots during the 2017 IPC World Para Swimming and Para Powerlifting Championships in the North American country.

Angula received national colours last week Thursday from the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC).

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NVF conducts CAVB volleyball coaching course

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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NVF conducts CAVB volleyball coaching course The Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF), in conjunction with the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), last week hosted a four-day volleyball coaching course in Windhoek.

“The course was conducted by well-known Egyptian coach and instructor Sherif El Shemerly, who has coached the Egyptian national men's team for the Rio Olympics 2016 and other world championships,” said NVF vice-president Hillary Dux Imbuwa.

During the four days, the 20 course participants from different regions of the country were given valuable insights into the nature and role of a coach in volleyball.

The coaching course aimed to challenge the participants by blending practical sessions and the demonstration of techniques and drills with theoretical knowledge to use in the further development of the sport in Namibia.

This approach, according to Imbuwa, gave the participants a well-rounded experience and knowledge of the intricacies of the sport both on and off the court.

He told Nampa in a telephonic interview that each of the participants would receive a CAVB certificate giving them the status of National Level Coaches.

During the closing ceremony on Sunday, the president of the NVF, Günter Rust, congratulated the group on successfully participating in the course.

“He urged them to share their newly learned skills and knowledge and put them to test in their regions and clubs,” stated the NVF vice-president.

NAMPA

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Namibian sports stars flourish abroad

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Namibian sports stars flourish abroadGreat opportunities beyond borders Over the years many local sport stars had no hope of ever making it abroad, even for trials. Selection was tough and the road was not travelled by many as there were few opportunities available. But with many developments and sports agents travelling long distances to scout for players in various sports codes, Namibia has become a much-visited country where athletes are picked to journey for trials across the borders and if focused and determined, make a name for themselves in various clubs.

With the right discipline, attitude, mentors and available programmes footballers like Zenatha Coleman, Annoushka Kordom, Vewe Kotjipati, Erich Nelenge, Ryan Nyambe, Lazarus Kaimbi, Sydney Urikhob, rugby stars like Torsten van Jaarsveld, PJ van Lill, cricket player Christi Viljoen, swimmer Alexander Skinner, hockey player Brynn-Ammond Cleake, netball star Jaumbuaije 'Bietjie' Zauana and many others have placed their names on the list of sporting stars making a name for themselves in foreign lands, however small or big their impact might be.

Coleman, who is a frequent call up in the women's senior side, plays for Gintra Universitetas in Lithuania and has been the highest goal scorer in the league. Coleman, speaking from Lithuania, said her experience of playing in the women's championships had been incredible.

“The players I meet on the field have played in the world cup for the respective countries. I am the only African here and have competed against and with teammates from USA, Serbia, Chile and Russia. I am learning a lot and this experience will help me when I play for my country,” she said. Another female footballer, Kordom, who plays and studies at Corban University in the US, is on a full scholarship for four years and is a product of the Galz & Goals programme.

“Playing in the US is very different than playing back home. In the past year I have definitely learned a lot. I also believe I have grown a lot as a player because the coaches here have invested a lot of time in improving my weaknesses and I am pretty excited to help the national team with the skills I have picked up here when the need arises.”

Nailenge, who plays for Cercle Brugge in Belgium, also shared his experience of playing overseas.

“The experience has been amazing however overwhelming. I was in strange lands but I got used to living the life I wished for, however that is not where I will end, it's only a start as I want to one day play for the Brave Warriors and also in Spain or France someday.”

Besides football, he is studying towards an honours degree in marketing.

Netball's golden girl Zauana plays for Western Cape, South Africa.

The Namibian goal-shooter made her presence felt in the neighbouring country by helping her team to win the Spar Netball National Championships in Durban and also walking away with the goal shooter of the tournament award.

Swimmer Alexander Skinner, who is studying in Cleveland, USA, broke the longstanding record of Heiko Horn in the 200m freestyle in the age group 17-18 last year in Namibia.

He was one of 36 athletes from across the world to receive a FINA scholarship in 2017. The scholarship was designed to help the athletes to qualify and participate at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The scholarship also presented the athletes with an option to train at a FINA-approved training centre in Thailand, United States of America and Senegal. He chose the US.

Other stars who play for Namibia abroad include Peter Shalulile (Football Highland Park), Willem 'Dudes' Mwedihanga, Benson Shilongo, Hendrico Botes (football for Platinum Stars), Lazarus Kaimbi (football in Thailand) and Sydney Urikhob, (football in Thailand).

All these players' paths have been laid by many others who also played abroad for years back in the day, including Eliphas Shivute (Scotland and China), Quinton Jacobs (South Africa and Scotland), Mohammed Ouseb, Heini Isaacks (Football in South Africa and Norway), Paulus Shipanga, Richard Gariseb, Ronny Kananelo (Football in South Africa), and Collin Benjamin (Football in Germany). It has not been an easy road but because of their determination, hard work and skill these stars are enjoying the fruits provided by their investment in the sports they love. Young player Kordom encouraged many others who want to play abroad to work hard and to focus on their dreams. She said everything is possible with the right mindset.

“There are many opportunities out there, seek them out, and pursue your dreams,” she said.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

PDM accuses Geingob of lying

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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PDM accuses Geingob of lying The Popular Democratic Movement's (PDM) Ohangwena regional coordinator, Hidipo Hamata, says President Hage Geingob misinformed the nation last week when he announced that poverty in the region had dropped by 60%.

Last week Thursday during his speech at the official opening of the sixth Swapo Party elective congress, Geingob said during the period 1993 to 2016 the poverty rate in the Ohangwena Region had dropped 60%.

At the weekend during the opening of a new PDM branch in Oshikango Hamata said they were shocked when they heard Geingob's remarks.

He said the poverty level in Ohangwena remained high because of high unemployment, especially among the youth.

“Geingob's remarks on Ohangwena Region cannot go unchallenged as they are tantamount to lies and painting our region with good colours while in reality it's not as it is on the ground,” Hamata said.

He referred to media reports on young women resorting to prostitution in the streets of Oshikango to make ends meet, as well as the increasing crime in the region.

Hamata added that it was no secret that young men and women were selling smuggled goods in Ohangwena, which he attributed to extreme poverty in the region.

“We want to categorically tell the Namibian nation that unemployment in Ohangwena Region did not change, it remains the way it has been since independence. Our people have no means of employment,” Hamata said.

He called on Geingob to rephrase his statement and apologise to the people of Ohangwena Region.

Hamata acknowledged that it was good of Geingob to inform the Swapo congress delegates about the poverty and unemployment in Namibia in order to find solutions to these issues.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Tourism stats out in December

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Tourism stats out in DecemberArrivals expected to increase The tourism sector is eager to see whether tourist arrivals have increased since 2015. The latest statistics on tourism arrivals in the country are expected to be released next month and indications are that Namibia will see an increase from its 1.51 million foreign visitors recorded.

Namibia measured a record number of close to 1.5 million foreign visitors in 2015, representing an increase of 7.5% from the previous year, and tourist figures increased by 5.2% from 1.32 million to 1.387 million during the same period.

The Namibian tourism industry last year experienced one of the best results in over a decade, with Namibian tourism accommodation properties recording nearly 60% occupancy across the country and throughout the year.

The tourism arrival statistics for 2016 are expected to be released in December.

This was announced by the tourism ministry at the signing of an agreement with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) which will see the agency provide technical support in tourism statistics.

Namibia tourism statistics are notoriously delayed with some reports that have in the past been published up to two or three years later, but the new agreement will provide a much-needed boost in statistics.

Statistician-general Alex Shimuafeni said the agreement would make it possible for the country to have up-to-date environment and tourism statistics.

He said that would make it possible for the country to keep up with the tourism sector which is constantly growing and ensure quality statistics at international standards.

“It is important for the country to have tourism statistics to help with planning purposes. As a country, we need to know where tourists are coming from and how many there are each year.”

According to Shimuafeni by having tourism statistics, the country will also be able to know where to target its marketing while attracting foreign investment. He added that it is also important for the country to monitor the environment closely.

Currently the country does not have up to date tourism statistics which makes it difficult to plan for the future. Permanent Secretary Dr Malan Lindeque said the government now more than ever has to look after the tourism industry. “During the economic slowdown the tourism sector is the one sector that has expanded and this year indications are positive again.”

According to him the tourism ministry was among the first institutions that started with resource accounting.

“We are very pleased that we can bring this this up to a higher level with the NSA.”

He noted that it is a difficult concept to think that one can measure the amount of a natural resource.

“What is the actual contribution of the forests, the fresh water and the wildlife to the economy in Namibia?”

Lindeque said that this can however lead to big development mistakes if one does not fully understand the value of these resources.

“If you for instance drain a fresh water resource and replace it with something else, it can have huge impacts.”

He also pointed out that there are discrepancies in the statistics of the Satellite Tourism Account and other national tourism reports that are produced.

This is because the Satellite Tourism Account follows an international method that includes the broader concept of the travel and tourism economy in addition to the narrow concept of the industry.

According to Lindeque it measures tourism and the contribution it makes to the economy much more precisely than other national accounts and comes up with much higher numbers of arrivals, spending and investment in the sector.





ELLANIE SMIT

Company news in brief

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief Sasol signs US$3.9bn credit facility

Energy and chemicals group Sasol has signed a US$3.9bn five-year credit facility.

According to a note to shareholders issued on Thursday, the initial target was US$3bn but due to oversubscription, it increased to US$3.9bn. The revolving credit facility includes two further extension options of one year each.

Chief financial officer Paul Victor said the credit facility would help with liquidity and refining the group's debt.

Citi and Mizuho Bank were mandated by Sasol to launch the transaction to a targeted group of banks earlier in November. The transaction was oversubscribed by 17 banks, which led Sasol to increase the facility. – Fin24

Mitsubishi down after units falsify product data

Mitsubishi Materials Corp saw its stock fall as much as 11% on Friday after it said three subsidiaries had falsified product data, marking the latest in a series of quality assurance scandals involving Japanese manufacturers.

Mitsubishi Materials said inspection data was falsified on parts used in aircraft, automobiles and industrial machinery, with potentially more than 250 customers affected.

The admission follows a spate of compliance failings at Japanese manufacturers including Kobe Steel Ltd, Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Subaru Co Ltd. – Nampa/Reuters

Uber told SoftBank about data breach

Uber Technologies Inc said it discussed a massive data breach with potential investor SoftBank Group Corp ahead of going public with details of the incident last Tuesday.

The ride-hailing service is trying to complete a deal in which the Japanese company would invest as much as US$10 billion for at least 14% of Uber, mostly by buying out existing shareholders.

Uber described its early discussion with SoftBank when asked to comment on a Thursday Wall Street Journal report on the disclosure, which the newspaper said occurred about three weeks ago. – Nampa/Reuters

Drug-maker Teva set for major layoffs

Pharmaceutical giant Teva is preparing to sack thousands of employees in Israel and the United States, including one quarter of its Israeli workforce.

Israel-based Teva, the world's biggest manufacturer of generic drugs, will sack 25% of its 6 860 employees in Israel and more than 10% of its 10 000-strong workforce in the US, Calcalist daily said.

Teva shares in the United States have taken a plunge this year as the company has faced harsh financial woes. – Nampa/Reuters

The shame of our GBV problem

November 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

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The shame of our GBV problem One third of Namibian rape victims are younger than 18 while more than a third of women aged between 15 and 49 have experienced some form of violence in this country.

The Ministry of Justice recently reported that 70% of criminal cases registered at the High Court were related to gender-based violence (GBV).

More than 3 200 domestic violence cases were registered with the Namibian police during the financial year 2015 to 2016, which rose by 23% to 3v976 during the last financial period.

As reports of women brutally hacked, shot or stabbed to death proliferate, many are trapped in unhappy relationships, fearful of their fate, Salatiel Shinedima, executive director of the Women's Action for Development (WAD), said last Friday.

“Many women today are in bondage; they are scared to seek help because they fear that if he finds out, he may actually kill her.”

Shinedima said although Namibia has ratified a number of international conventions on human rights and enacted laws to protect women's rights, “it is sad and shameful that despite our small population, Namibia counts among the countries where violence against women and children has become the norm.”

These numbers and issues highlighting the grave problem of widespread violence against women in Namibia were shared at the launch of the 16 days of activism campaign against GBV on Friday.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative in Namibia, said two crucial steps could help the country end the plague of violence.

“We need good data. If we cannot measure, we cannot manage,” Gbeho said.

She said data can pinpoint the challenges of tackling GBV, indicate which laws and policies need strengthening, and boost efforts to change attitudes and practices.

The second request by the UN is to spur women and children to report abuse, whether they are experiencing it first-hand or know of someone else.

Gender equality and child welfare minister Doreen Sioka agreed, and urged everyone to speak up when they see signs of or experience abuse.

“When somebody invades your personal space to beat you, or abuse you verbally, usually they won't stop. Someone has to stop them, and that is you. Speak out.”



Costly brutality

Gbeho said empowering women and protecting their rights are good economically and socially for any country.

“GBV has a detrimental impact on the global economy. Therefore, addressing GBV is not only about what is right, it is also about what makes good economic sense.”

Research has also shown that violence against women could cost around 2% of the global gross domestic product, equivalent to US$1.5 trillion.

She said a child whose mother had some formal education is more likely to survive to their fifth birthday, receive adequate nutrition and be immunised and enrolled in school.

Shinedima warned that despite the countless efforts to curb GBV, “we continue to witness an escalation in violence and such cases are becoming more gruesome and brutal day by day.”

He said it's crucial to intervene as early as possible.

“It all starts from the way we raise our boys. Our boys are exposed to violence against women at a very early age. If there is no peace in the parental home then there will be no peace in society.”

And yet, the sad reality is that many parents themselves have been victims of early childhood abuse, or were exposed to violence.

“Violence in our homes has become a vicious circle which must be broken by the corrective includes in our homes, educational institutions, churches and other social institutions.”

The role of alcohol and other substances and their link to violence should not be underestimated, he warned.

Moreover, victims of violence often resort to alcohol and other substances to numb the trauma.

He also said discussions around the impact of harmful cultural practices are crucial.

“We Namibians love our diverse cultural norms, beliefs and practices”, but some cultural practices “do not conform to the principles and rules of the type of society we live in today,” he said.

Sioka said that the campaign is intended to highlight the scope of GBV and its impact as well as promote access to services available.

“This does not mean that our fight against GBV has ended. The fight will continue for 365 days every year until the battle is won.”

JANA-MARI SMITH