Namibian Sun

Alvarez unifies world titlesMexican triumphs over Jacobs to become middleweight king Canelo Alvarez conquered Daniel Jacobs to become the unified WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight world champion on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Mexican Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has unified boxing's 160-pound division by earning a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs in a fight that pitted two of the world's top middleweights with three world titles on the line.

Alvarez kept his World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titles and seized Jacobs' International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt in a bout that marked the Mexican's return to the middleweight division.

Alvarez said his hard work in the gym paid off and there was very little Jacobs did that came as a surprise.

“It is just what we thought it would be,” said Alvarez, who became the first Mexican champ to hold three major titles in a single division. “We did our job. We showed a lot of diversity, in terms of punches and combinations. It was a beautiful fight.”

Alvarez won on all three judges' scorecards, with two scoring the fight 115-113 and the other 116-112. This was Alvarez's first fight of 2019, but the second fight of his five-year 11-fight US$365 million deal with the boxing streaming service DAZN.

Since losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez has gone 10-0 with one draw, including five knockouts. At the age of 28, he is still in his prime, having improved his record to 56-1-2 with 35 knockouts.

Alvarez's penchant for taking on all-comers and his exciting style has elevated him to become one of the biggest stars in boxing, but it was his boxing skills and especially sound defence that stood out against Jacobs on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena.

He dominated the early rounds, landing powerful jabs and slipping headshots by Jacobs in a manner that would have made Mayweather proud.

By the sixth round Alvarez looked in control, prompting American Jacobs' corner to tell him to open up and take some chances. Up until that point, the most noteworthy move from Jacobs was his ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw in an attempt to throw Alvarez off.

Jacobs landed one of the best punches of the fight in the ninth round, a looping overhand right that hit Alvarez on the top of the head. Alvarez though didn't flinch, showing that he was ready to take some punishment to win.

There were more good exchanges in the 10th as Jacobs' confidence appeared to grow, but Alvarez stuck to his fight plan and scored effectively.

“I feel great. I have to go back and look at the tape to see exactly what the judges thought,” said Jacobs. “I was still pressing forward because I wanted to finish strong.

“It took me a couple of rounds to get my wits about me, to get my rhythm. I feel like I gave enough to get the victory.”

Alvarez is known to take on the toughest fights possible and he has the resume to back it up. Over the past seven years his CV features the likes of Mayweather, Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Gennady Golovkin, Erislandy Lara and Miguel Cotto.

After claiming a world title at super middleweight in December, Alvarez decided to return to the 160-pound division on Saturday.

Asked if he would consider a third fight against Golovkin, who some felt should have got the decision in at least one of their two fights, Alvarez said: “For me, we are done. But if people want another fight we will do it again and I'll beat him again.”

He now hopes to add a fourth title by taking on World Boxing Organisation (WBO) middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade.

Cancer survivor Jacobs is known as an exceptional boxer with impressive power, but he didn't get a chance to show much of that on Saturday in his first fight in Las Vegas in nine years.

Jacobs (35-3, 29 KOs) was coming off of a hard-fought victory in October against Sergiy Derevyanchenko, where he claimed the vacant IBF middleweight title via split decision.

He is nicknamed 'The Miracle Man' after managing to overcome osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that threatened his career and sidelined him for over a year.

Jacobs returned to fight at a high level, with his first 10 wins all coming by way of knockout.

Elsewhere, Montreal's Artur Beterbiev retained his IBF light heavyweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Bosnia's Radivoje Kalajdzic in Stockton, California.

The unbeaten Beterbiev trapped his opponent on the ropes and was landing blows with both hands before the referee stepped in to stop then fight 13 seconds into the fifth.

NAMPA/AFP

Sankwasa’s Rundu rescue plan fails

KENYA KAMBOWE

A plan by James Sankwasa, the chairperson of the Swapo leaders assigned to Kavango East, which would have resulted in the management committee of the limping Rundu town council finally being finalised after months of political infighting, has failed.

This was allegedly after Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa intervened.

Last Thursday the town council was to have convened to swear-in a third councillor to be part of the management committee, so the body could become functional.

The event was, however, called off at the last minute, allegedly because Sankwasa did not consult with Shaningwa’s office on the procedure used.

Attempts to get comment from Shaningwa proved futile, as her phone went unanswered.

She also did no reply to a text message.

Namibian Sun understands that Sankwasa had managed to convince Swapo councillor Ralph Ihemba to take up the third position on the management committee.

While other local authorities have tabled their budgets for the current financial year, the Rundu council cannot follow suit, as the management committee remains incomplete.

The management committee also plays a crucial role in scrutinising administrative affairs.

When contacted for comment, Sankwasa confirmed he visited Rundu and secretly met with Ihemba, whom he said eventually agreed to take up the third position on the management committee.

Sankwasa said he then arranged for another meeting with the councillor, in the presence of Kavango East governor Samuel Mbambo and the chairperson of the council’s management committee, Anastacia Shinduvi-Foya.

The purpose of the second meeting, which took place at the governor’s office, was to cement the agreement with Ihemba and to see how he and Shinduvi-Foya would work together.

Sankwasa added it was also decided that acting Rundu CEO Sikongo Haihambo was to be contacted, so the swearing-in ceremony could take place.

“I met councillor Ihemba to try to find out why he was refusing to be nominated and my job was to tell him to look at the bigger picture.

If he is elected and is refusing to be sworn-in, who is suffering here? Is it the councillor or the general public? That was my concern,” Sankwasa said.

“Yes, so I met him and he eventually agreed to be sworn-in and because I did not want to leave it at that, that’s when I called the governor and the chairperson of the management committee and we met. I wanted the council to function, because at the moment it has stopped functioning.”

However, on Thursday, Ihemba was nowhere to be seen.

Magistrate Hellen Olaiya, who showed up at 14:00 for the 14:30 ceremony, was informed of the latest development and had to return to court.

When contacted for comment, Ihemba said he had not been aware of the swearing-in ceremony.

When asked about his meeting with Sankwasa and him agreeing to be part of the management committee, Ihemba said: “No comment sir.”

Namibian Sun understands that Ihemba chickened out at the last minute after receiving information that Shaningwa was not in agreement with what he and Sankwasa had decided.

When asked whether his consultation with Ihemba was approved by Shaningwa, Sankwasa said he was guided by the lack of progress on the Rundu issue.

“There are problems and the problems are caused by this one (person), who is refusing, and I go to this one (person) to ask: Why are you refusing? Did I need top management for that?”

When he was informed that Ihemba had done a U-turn, Sankwasa said he did his part and it’s up to the councillors to see how they can sort out the issue.

“If after that he turns around and changes his mind, then I throw in the towel and they have to sort it out, because there is nothing I can do. I can’t force him,” Sankwasa said.

Cops warn livestock farmers

The Kavango West police are calling on livestock owners to refrain from driving their animals from one village to another without the proper documentation.

Kavango West police chief of operations, Deputy Commissioner William Peter, said in a statement that since the beginning of the year, the movement of animals without proper documentation from one village to another has increased.

Peter said the illegal movement of livestock, especially cattle, was likely as a result of the current drought situation, which was forcing farmers to move their animals to better grazing areas.

“This office has experienced an increase of movements of domestic animals, mainly cattle, from village to village within the region, or from other regions into the region, since the beginning of this year.

“It is believed that some of these activities are being caused by the ongoing drought situation facing our areas,” Peter said.

“It has also been observed that some of the people do not prepare the relevant animal removal certificates from the appropriate authorities and/or persons before undertaking their journeys, as required by law.”

According to the Stock Theft Act 12 of 1990 “no person is allowed to drive, convey or transport any stock or produce of which he or she is not the owner, on or along any public road”, unless they are in possession of a certificate issued by the owner or is the duly authorised agent of the owner.

Peter said apart from farmers illegally moving their livestock to better grazing areas, their actions are also leaving the door open to stock theft.

“The intention of this programme is to enlighten the community on the importance and preservation of communal and semi-commercial economic resources, as well as to interrupt those that may try to take chances through the loopholes created by the current drought situation, to get involved in stock theft-related criminal activities within the region,” he said.

Peter called on people observing suspicious activities to report them to the nearest police station.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Kapia irked by busy PMFormer works minister lashes out The former deputy minister says he cannot believe that the regional council had failed to get audience with the prime minister over such a critical issue.

ILENI NANDJATO

Former deputy works minister Paulus Ilonga Kapia has expressed his frustration over the fact that Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and agriculture minister Alpheus !Naruseb have failed to meet with the Oshana regional council, so they can be briefed on the drought situation in the region.

Kapia, who is also a former Swapo youth leader, said he cannot believe the current administration is different from the one he served when he was an active politician, saying the government of his day was for the people.

Last Tuesday, the Oshana regional council held a joint emergency drought situation public consultation meeting with the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), to discuss the current drought situation facing the region.

Oshana chief regional officer Marthin Elago told the gathering the region is faced with severe drought that is affecting people and animals, as there is not enough water and food following poor rainfall.

Elago said as an intervention strategy - at the beginning of the year - the Oshana leadership took a decision to send a delegation to Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and !Naruseb, so they could receive a report on the drought situation.

The delegation had also wanted to seek help, in order to mitigate the situation.

Elago said due to their many commitments, the prime minister and agriculture minister were unable to see them.

“It was just after we made a decision to go to Windhoek to consult these high officials that our financial year came to an end. Due to financial difficulties, we were not able to travel until the end of March. When April came, there were many commitments, including Independence Day, the launch of the national clean-up campaign and the Ondonga king’s state burial, and these leaders were all busy and we did not manage to get them,” Elago said.

“We were later advised to also include our new governor and farmers in the delegation. Later we were also advised to go together with our neighbouring region of Omusati, to add value to our appointment. The governors for the two regions have agreed and they are now seeking appointments, because these leaders are busy people and every time you contact them, you are told they are busy.”

Kapiya, who was also in attendance at the public consultation meeting last Tuesday, said he cannot believe that the regional council had failed to get audience with the prime minister over such a critical issue.

“I thought our government was for the people and that it listens to its people. Is the government of the 1990s different from the government of 2019, or why all of the sudden do our national leaders have no time to meet people on the ground to discuss issues affecting the citizens?” asked Kapiya.

“This cannot be an excuse during a critical time like this, because these people are always among us. Even these days the prime minister comes to Ondangwa trade fair, and you can get time to meet her before she starts with her event - either to discuss the drought issue or to get an appointment with her.”

Afcon chance for VriesRenewed hope of restoring his reputation While he has been offloaded by Kaizer Chiefs, Virgil Vries can make a massive impact for the Brave Warriors at Afcon 2019.

Namibian goalkeeper Virgil Vries, who left Kaizer Chiefs with immediate effect after his contract was terminated, can still salvage his career.

Vries' exit from the club was announced last Tuesday, after he joined the Soweto giants on 1 July 2018.

He made just eight domestic appearances after signing a three-year deal at the start of the season.

Vries fell out of favour with coach Ernst Middendorp earlier in the year after a blunder against Cape Town City led to them signing Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

A statement on the club's official website said: “Kaizer Chiefs continued with the process of closing off the season with an announcement of goalkeeper Virgil Vries leaving the club.”

The club thanked Vries for his contribution and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

His departure from the club was expected, but for months Chiefs did not make a move.

The goalkeeper kept four clean sheets in his eight games in the Absa premiership, MTN8, Telkom Knockout and Nedbank Cup, conceding six goals along the way.

On the official website of the club, Vries also said it's been a pleasure and a great experience to don the Kaizer Chiefs jersey.

“I thank everyone for their support during my stay at the club.”

The exit now means he is a free agent and needs to step up and claim the number one spot for his country, as the Brave Warriors prepare for the upcoming Council of Southern African Football Association (Cosafa) Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournaments, as many Namibians still believe in him.

Former Warriors player Robert Nauseb said during a recent interview that Vries is a strong boy and that he believes that he will be able to bounce back.

Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has also backed the goalkeeper.

Mannetti believes the player will eventually find his feet, despite enduring a difficult period.

“Look, every player always has such a time in their lives and it is unfortunate that the fans and the club have not done him any favours.

“The national team, and I as a coach, still believe in his abilities and we will continue supporting him during this difficult time,” Mannetti said.

-Additional info by Soccer Laduma

LIMBA MUPETAMI

The burning issue of transformation During a year in which most local sport federations are furrowing their brows over a lack of proper facilities and resources to improve the conditions of athletes, there is another war taking place, centred on transformation.

A week ago, this same topic, which has for years been snapping at the heels of many federations, came to the fore once more when Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya called on federations to comply with their rules of including athletes of colour in codes that had been formally dominated by whites.

These codes, as mentioned by Mwiya, are rugby, hockey and cricket. I applaud his efforts in calling out culprits who seem to continuously ignore the changing dynamics in sport.

I salute Mwiya, as he aims to engineer the next great period in sport, through wielding an impressive new broom to sweep clean the current racial structures that have for year's limited athletes of colour via intentional exclusion and institutionalised discrimination.

I don't see anything wrong with his stance. I just have a few comments of my own about the need for transformation and implementing a quota system, if federations so not comply.

Yes, Mwiya is right by calling a spade a spade. For years, parents with money have purchased places for their children in teams, above those who are genuinely gifted athletes. I don't think this is fair, considering the fact that these things happen at a national level. A nation is comprised of many people, not just one particular ethnic group.

Mwiya was laying bare what has truly been happening. However, when we pin-point this issue of transformation, let us also go back a little bit and understand why - after so many years - we still find ourselves in this same boat.

Back in the apartheid era, whites built proper structures at private schools.

These particular private schools continue to use these facilities and to take part in various sport codes that other schools in Katutura can only dream of. Pupils attending schools in Katutura, Khomasdal and the like, only have football and netball to pick from as their sport of choice.

How boring that must be for young people, who are exposed to so much more via the media.

Of course not all of them can attend private schools, because they are costly and maybe the academic requirements are not on their side.

So why not bring the facilities to these young, black and gifted athletes? That's what we should be looking during the process of debating transformation.

As much as we speak about transformation and inclusivity, we need to seriously realise that school sport has become the Achilles heel of Namibian sport.

This is where everything can go right or wrong. We have Craven Week, as well as the Momentum tournament each year. We see schools coming from as far as the south with their players.

However, how many of these players actually make it into the under-17 national team?

Let us implore our black schools to improve their facilities. Let us make it mandatory for all these schools to have hockey, rugby, and cricket clubs, as much as they have football and netball teams.

We need sport development programmes in black schools, just as much as we need proper training facilities. Perhaps by doing this we will make a step towards closing the gap, while fighting the transformation battle.

That's my two cents; because white parents can argue and say they inject thousands and push their children to excel, while the rest sit and wait to be included, based on a quota system.

Let us all do our part, as transformation has become a necessity that no one can ignore.

Let us resolve the issues that are present, and in doing so, remove the barriers and clean up the pipeline.

limba@namibiansun.com

Paper factory in the pipelineWater consumption a worry No indication has been given of where the trees for the factory will be sourced from.

CATHERINE SASMAN

A company called Tree Africa Manufacturing is planning to construct and operate a paper processing plant at Outjo for local consumption and exports.

A background information document on the proposed project, provided by FPM Consulting Services, which was appointed to carry out an environmental assessment study, states that the initiative will go a long way towards developing manufacturing industries in Namibia “since most players in the business are importing paper”.

FPM Consulting and Tree Africa held a community meeting at Outjo on 25 April, where residents expressed concern over the rate of water consumption and the disposal of chemically-contaminated wastewater emanating from the project.

The residents are also concerned about the sourcing of water to be used in the project, as well as the site allocation, and wanted to know if the project will create employment for locals.

They are also concerned over the potential water, soil, noise and air pollution emanating from the manufacturing plant.

Internet information on water use and wastewater treatment in pulp and paper industries revealed that about 85% of the water consumed is used only for processing, which leads to large volumes of wastewater.

The proposed manufacturing plant will be on an erf in the Outjo townlands, about 1.5 kilometres outside the central part of the town.

The development of the project involves the preparation of the land for the construction and actual operation of a charcoal processing and packaging facility.

The document provided by FPM Consulting does not spell out where the wood or water resources will be sourced from, but says the proposed infrastructure will have minimal impacts on water, as well as fauna and flora.

A 1.7-kilometre pipeline will be constructed, which FPM Consulting Services acknowledged can potentially have an impact on the environment.

Other impacts alluded to in the information document include a change of land use and vegetation clearance, loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction and water and soil pollution from the construction and operational activities.

It does promise employment-creation for local residents, local industry development and value-addition to resources.

The evolution of poll campaigns

The nature of political campaigns is rapidly changing, and in recent years we have been witnessing an evolution.

During 2009, Swapo introduced what it termed as ‘politainment’, as the ruling party invested heavily in local musicians in order for them to champion their election campaigns. The idea behind this was also to woo young voters, without necessarily alienating older ones. The option of including young musicians in election campaigns also helps political parties to tackle the growing concerns around voter apathy, which is prevalent among young voters. Many young and eligible voters are often first to indicate a strong sense of disillusionment with both politicians and the political process. The enthusiasm to vote in elections has been waning in our country and many others, including in South Africa, ahead of its general elections this week. In fact, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in South Africa recently said it was worried that the majority of those not registered to take part in the elections this year were under 30 years old. This is not only a setback for the IEC, but equally a significant issue for political parties, considering that the majority of voters are from the most powerful voting bloc, namely the youth. Clearly, voter apathy has its causes, and if political parties aren’t taking big issues seriously, we will see an increasing number of young people turned off by politics. Young voters are also tired of cadre deployment that leads to corruption and the funding of misplaced priorities. It is thus important that political parties pull up their socks in the coming months. This can only happen through a battle of ideas, including about a need for greater openness and accountability, and through putting the emphasis on so-called bread-and-butter issues. As much as political parties and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) encourage the youth to take an interest in general elections and the voting process, politicians must not fool them by coming up with unrealistic promises and downright lies.

N$137m drought relief shortfall

Government needs an extra N$137.8 million in order to effectively deal with the ongoing drought conditions that are ravaging the country.

It was revealed last week that government only has N$304.9 million of the N$442.7 million needed to effectively implement drought relief interventions.

Agriculture ministry executive director Percy Misika said cabinet has approved comprehensive drought interventions worth N$442.7 million to assist drought-affected communities.

He said N$304.9 million is available and the balance of N$137.8 million will need to be mobilised, in order to cover the shortfall.

Drought relief activities started on 1 April and will end in March 2020 or until the budget is depleted, whichever comes first, Misika said.

Providing a breakdown of the interventions, Misika said a total of N$90 million is needed for food assistance and this funding will be provided through the National Emergency Disaster Fund.

An amount of N$36 million is needed for logistics and the transportation of food, and there is currently a shortfall of N$3.8 million for this intervention. The available funding is provided by the National Emergency Disaster Fund.

The agriculture ministry will provide the N$10 million needed for water tankers, as well as the N$11.4 million for the rehabilitation and installation of boreholes, said Misika.

For marketing incentives, the leasing of grazing and transport, an amount of N$31.3 million is needed. However, there is a current shortfall of N$5 million. The available funding is provided through the emergency fund.

The cost of lick supplements for the country's core herd amounts to N$150 million. The emergency fund is providing half of the amount, leaving a shortfall of N$75 million.

The fodder subsidy will cost N$104 million and there is a current shortfall of N$52 million. The available funds are supplied by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the National Emergency Disaster Fund.

Misika said the fund will supply N$8 million for crops (certified seed production during the next cropping season). There is, however, a current shortfall of N$2 million.

“Due to the prevailing drought conditions that are devastating the country this year, the ministry wishes to advise farmers who do not have enough grazing for their animals to sell their livestock while they are still in a good condition, in order to avoid serious losses, as the effects of the drought continue,” said Misika.

He said selling animals in a good condition will result in farmers receiving optimum prices for them.

“Therefore all famers are strongly advised to destock as soon as possible, in order to safeguard their livelihoods.”

Misika urged farmers to make use of the various subsidies being offered to them by the government, such as the leasing of grazing, the hiring of transport to and from emergency grazing areas, as well as the lick and fodder subsidy.

“Farmers who heed the ministry's advice to destock, in a bid to mitigate the effects of the drought, will be able to participate and benefit from the livestock marketing incentive scheme.”

In order to benefit from this scheme farmers are requested to produce their sale summary or sale statement, certified copies of their animal movement permits, together with the movement records (departure and arrival), their FAN Meat cards and identity document (IDs).

The documents that farmers have to provide in order to participate in the lick and fodder subsidy include herd statements, proof of purchase from a reputable supplier, their FAN Meat cards and IDs.

For the lease of grazing and transport subsidy scheme farmers have to produce their short-term lease agreements for grazing, proof of grazing lease payments, proof of payment for transport fees, certified copies of the animal movement permits, together with the movement records attached, their FAN Meat cards, IDs and herd statements.

The Office of the Prime Minister, through the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management (DDRM), will implement the food assistance, logistics and transport, as far as drought relief is concerned.

The ministry of agriculture will implement the livestock marketing incentive scheme, the leasing of grazing and transport subsidy to and from grazing areas, as well as water tanker services, the rehabilitation and installation of boreholes, the subsidy for lick supplements for the core herd, the fodder subsidy and the provision of certified seeds.

ELLANIE SMIT

'We're not favouring Chinese contractors'Procurement board acknowledges challenges The Central Procurement Board of Namibia has denied it is favouring Chinese companies, while acknowledging it is experiencing “several challenges”.

The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has denied media reports suggesting that it is favouring Chinese firms over local contractors, when it comes to awarding lucrative bids.

The CPBN recently awarded two contracts for construction work on the Valombola and Nakayale vocational centres, amounting to N$27.7 million and N$37.8 million, respectively, to a joint-venture arrangement between Africa Civil Engineering CC and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

This caused and outcry from Namibians who feel that local firms should have been awarded the jobs.

The CPBN said it made the tender awards following the recommendations of two independent bid evaluation committees.

It said the joint-venture was the “lowest evaluated, substantially responsive bidder”.

“The board reviewed the outcome of the process and resolved to engage public entities to use an open national bidding process, particularly section 29(a) [of the Procurement Act], which restricts participation to Namibian citizens as far as practicably possible or motivates deviation from this advantage for works-related bids issued by the CPBN,” the CPBN said in a statement.

Lack of expertise and leadership

The body also hit back allegations that suggested it is characterised by a lack of experience and leadership.

It said it is finalising the recruitment of technical expertise, acknowledging that it is currently experiencing “several challenges”, especially since the Public Procurement Act is still new to everyone.

Regarding the criticism against its leadership, the CPBN said it is not a “conventional board” that meets only four or six times a year, but is required to meet at least four times a month, or sometimes even more.

The CPBN also denied claims that it is “paralysed” and “dysfunctional”, with delays resulting in lengthy procurement processes.

It said such delays are caused by factors such as standard bidding documents designed by the procurement policy unit as generic bidding documents per category of procurement, the understanding and interpretation of the Public Procurement Act, as well as the capacity of procurement staff of public entities and a shortage of staff at the CPBN.

Staff matters

The CPBN said it received a directive from finance minister Calle Schlettwein in July last year that vetting - a security clearance process - must be conducted on all potential employees before any permanent employment can be offered.

To date, positions in the structure have been advertised, interviews were conducted, and vetting results are awaited before recruitment can be finalised.

Moreover, the extension of all fixed contracts that came to an end at the end of March could not be considered.

No infighting

The CPBN also took exception to allegations of infighting amongst executive members, saying members do have differences of opinion and work methodologies, but this does not constitute rifts in the body.

It has approved 43 tenders so far this year.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Johannes storms to victoryUnstoppable runner claims personal best, national record Helalia Johannes is having the time of her life as she continues to rake in running laurels across the world.

In-form Namibian athlete Helalia Johannes tore the rest of the field apart on Saturday morning, slamming the hammer down in the second-half of the race to secure a commanding first victory at the opening leg of the Spar Women's Grand Prix 10km series.

The 38-year old Johannes had a sensational run, breaking her own Namibian national record and clocking one of the fastest times (31 minutes and 50 seconds) ever in South Africa. Speaking to South African media after the race, Johannes said the weather was perfect.

“I ran my personal best (PB) time, so I'm very pleased. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed the course. I decided to go for it at seven kilometres, because I wanted a PB.

My previous PB was 32.38, so I'm very excited about my new time.” Ethiopian runner, 17-year-old Tadu Teshome Nare, finished second in 32.38 minutes and last year's winner Kesa Molotsane was third in a personal best time of 33.09. She was the first South African home and was one of four South Africans in the top 10.

The race was run in overcast conditions, with a gentle breeze. Three runners, Johannes, Nare and Irvette van Zyl went into the lead from the start and soon opened up a big gap between them and the following pack.

At four kilometres, Van Zyl, who finished third in the Two Oceans ultra marathon two weeks ago, dropped back and Molotsane moved into the third position.

From seven kilometres, Johannes upped her pace and left the rest to fight it out for the other positions.

Betha Chikanga of Zimbabwe moved past Van Zyl into fourth place, finishing in 33.28. Multiple Spar Grand Prix winner Van Zyl, who was obviously still feeling the effects of the Two Oceans, finished fifth in 33.39. Last year's Spar Grand Prix winner Glenrose Xaba was ninth in 34.10.

The first seven runners all finished under 34 minutes and the first six runners all earned 10 Spar Grand Prix bonus points for beating last year's time.

“This is the fastest women's 10km race South Africa has seen,” said Spar Grand Prix coordinator Ian Laxton. “It shows the depth of talent in Africa,” said Laxton. Nare said it was the first time she had run outside Ethiopia.

“I am normally a track runner and this was my first 10km on the road. I enjoyed the race and I have enjoyed being in Port Elizabeth.” Molotsane said she was very happy with her time, which was a personal best.

“I have been concentrating on cross-country running, so I was surprised at how well I ran. I am very happy to have the international runners here, they will push us and we will all improve because of them,” said Molotsane.

Nick Bester, manager of the Nedbank team, said he would continue to bring international runners to compete in the Spar Grand Prix series, which is run over six races. “Spar has provided the runners with an ideal competition to test their abilities,” he said.

NAMPA/ANA

Magic win league in style

Runaway log leaders Tura Magic snatched the 2018/19 Skorpion Zinc Women Super League title at the NFA Technical Centre on Saturday.

They beat a spirited Gals & Goals team 4-1 in their last match, while pushing up their goal tally.

It was a struggle for the other clubs to keep up with the Tura Magic side. Magic's Anna Shikosho was crowned top scorer of the league with 29 goals.

“I feel the same as last year. Thanks to all the stakeholders who came on board to make the league possible.

The secret behind the success of the team is hard work from day one,” said Tura Magic head coach Shama Gure. Khomas Nampol claimed second place, while Gals & Goals had to settle for third.

V Power Angels ended fourth in the title race.

Jackie Gertze from the NFA Women's Desk congratulated the champions as well as all the other teams for their efforts and commitment towards the league. The champions walked away with N$40 000, while the runner-ups received N$20 000.

The third- and fourth-placed teams received N$12 000 and N$10 000, respectively.

The league was sponsored by Skorpion Zinc to the tune of N$750 000 and an additional N$250 000 came from Fifa, bringing the total amount to N$1 million.

The sponsorship is based on an annual contract, with the possibility of renewal.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Basetsana face Asian test

South Africa's under-20 women's national team (Basetsana) arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday, en route to Xiamen, where they will participate in the Four Nations Tournament against three Asian teams.

The tournament kicks off today.

South Africa was invited by the Chinese Football Association along with Vietnam and Thailand, to build women's football and ensure that the development of the game is taking place internationally.

South African coach Sheryl Botes is very excited at the prospect of playing the Asian countries and believes her squad will be a force to be reckoned with.

“We have a very good group of players who already have national caps and international experience. “A few of them participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Uruguay late last year and a few others have been part of the national set-up for a few years. Some also participated in the Zone 5 regional games, which we won.

“I believe that we have a great chance of displaying our skills in this tournament, but we are definitely here to gain experience and compete against different styles of play and tactical strategies,” said Botes.

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Eleven Arrows to up their tempo

Eleven Arrows head coach Robert Nauseb says his team will treat their remaining league games as cup finals, in a bid to realise their goal of a good finish in the Namibia Premier League (NPL).

Nauseb said this after Friday night's goalless draw against Citizens during round 23 of the 2018/19 MTC NPL at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The coach said his team had a tough week due to injuries.

“We played five games in the space of seven days, which is really not easy. We are currently having a couple of players out with injuries and flu, but I am confident the young lads still in the team will deliver when called upon,” he said.

Nauseb added that going forward his soldiers will treat each of their remaining fixtures as cup finals.

“There is a lot of pressure in the league at the moment, as everyone is collecting points. And if we don't collect points, we will soon be at the bottom, as all those below us are doing well,” he said.

The coach said the coastal outfit's goal during the 2018/19 season is to end in the top eight. “Our aim is to finish among the top five or sixth when the league concludes later this month, therefore we are going to play our remaining six matches as cup finals. We will either collect a point or all three,” said Nauseb.

On Saturday, Mighty Gunners were beaten 0-1 by Black Africa in Otjiwarongo.

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Bulls punish WelwitschiasWP, Pumas and Border maintain perfect record The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias were hammered 21-87 by the Vodacom Blue Bulls in their second SuperSport Rugby Challenge match of the season on Saturday.

The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias are yet to taste success in the 2019 edition of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, after suffering a massive defeat at the hands of the Blue Bulls in their second match of the season on Saturday.

They lost their first match 40-23 against the Xerox Golden Lions in Windhoek and were looking to pull off a win against the Bulls.

The Bulls, however, ran riot at Loftus Versveld, as they demolished the Welwitschias 87-21 (49-0), with a 13-try bonanza against the Namibians, who managed to cross the whitewash just three times. Bulls' outside centre Erich Cronje snatched a hat-trick of tries for himself, while right-wing Duncan Matthews added a brace and Cronje's partner, JT Jackson, added nine conversions for the Pretoria side. Flankers Ruan Steenkamp and Nick de Jager added themselves to the scoresheet, while the halfback pair of Ambrose Papier and Theo Boshoff were also in the try column.

Matthews' partner Travis Ismael also bagged a try, while fullback Madot Mabokela and replacement Vaughan Isaacs also scored for the home side.

Isaacs also added two late conversions, while Levene Damens, Jan Adriaan Booysen and Oderich Mouton bagged five-pointers for the visitors, with PV Steenkamp and Clive Loubser adding conversions in what was a disappointing effort from the Welwitschias.

Head coach Phil Davies said prior to the match that the Bulls team are strong and they would face a tough match. He said their main focus points after the first game was to build on the good things and general playing philosophy of the team, and also to build on discipline when tackling. The Namibians will now face Griquas this weekend at the Hage Geingob Stadium. Western Province, the Pumas and the Boland Cavaliers, along with the Golden Lions and Tafel Lager Griquas, maintained their perfect start to the SuperSport Rugby Challenge with their second victories in two starts. This can't be said for the Leopards, Valke and the Welwitschias.

Rest of the results were as follows:

Boland Cavaliers 21-10 Free State XV;

Valke 19-26 Pumas;

EP Elephants 59-31 SWD Eagles;

Leopards 27-55 Golden Lions XV;

Border Bulldogs 24-48 Western Province;

Griffons 26-35 Griquas; and

Zimbabwe 14-36 Sharks XV.

-Additional reporting by SuperSport

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Chinese national murdered

A 27-year-old suspect will appear in the Rehoboth Magistrate Court today after he was arrested this weekend for the murder of a 34-year-old Chinese national in Rehoboth.
According to the police Sun Yanhui was murdered on Wednesday at the New Hope Investment CC premises in Rehoboth.
It is alleged that the deceased, who was the manager at the brick factory, was overpowered by the suspect and attacked with a sharp object.
His body was found lying in a pool of blood with his throat slit, both hands were tied behind his back and a cloth stuffed in his mouth.
The suspect was arrested on Friday.

Semenya backing grows'Unethical decision' frowned upon Caster Semenya continues to receive backing from around the world, with the World Medical Association warning doctors not to prescribe treatment to hyperandrogenic athletes or those with differences in sexual development, in order to regulate testosterone levels.

World Medical Association (WMA) chairperson Frank Ulrich Montgomery has advised doctors to play no part in enforcing a new gender rule by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which is attempting to regulate some athletes like South African runner Caster Semenya.

This follows Semenya losing her court challenge against the IAAF last week, which wants to force her to undergo a suppressive treatment if she wishes to compete as a woman in certain events.

Montgomery said no physician can be forced to administer these suppressive drugs, and thus urged his colleagues to refrain from giving hormonally active medication to athletes simply because some regulations demand it.

“The basic ethical code of all medical practice is to never do harm, and it is doing harm to a perfectly normal body, with just a rather high level of testosterone, by administering drugs in order to make them (hyperandrogenic athletes) eligible for women's sport under these regulations.

“We do think that it is extremely serious if international sport regulations demand physicians to describe medication - hormonally active medication - for athletes in order to reduce normal conditions in their bodies,” Montgomery said.

He added the argument that Semenya has an unfair advantage over others didn't make sense, using the height of some basketball players to make his point.

“The next issue would be that we demand basketball players who are taller than 2.2 metres should reduce their height surgically to something else because, of course, they do have an advantage over other basketball players that are somewhat smaller,” he said.

“So where is the limit to this? And therefore we say medicine shouldn't interfere with non-pathological situations simply to enhance sports activities.”

Sharing the same sentiments is Dr Amad Asadai, chairperson of the Namibia Medical Centre.

Speaking in his personal capacity, he said Semenya's testosterone levels were and are not aided by any human intervention.

“There are so many places this argument can go, but naturally she just has a lot more testosterone then others. Disallowing her from competing in certain races, in order to level the playing field and because she has a slight advantage, is unfair.

“It's like saying that we should suppress the growth hormones of certain basketball players just because they appear taller than the rest, giving them an advantage,” Asadai said.

Semenya can appeal against the ruling within 30 days.

Condemnation

There was surprise and global condemnation following the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruling in support of the IAAF rule, which will see athletes with differences in sexual development forced to take medication to artificially lower their testosterone levels.

Semenya, 28, grew up in a village in the poverty-hit province of Limpopo and studied sports sciences at her local university. She began running and training for football, but rapidly began winning medals at the highest level.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) is now considering approaching the Swiss federal tribunal in an effort to overturn the judgment.

South African athletes have also rallied behind Semenya. Wayde van Niekerk, the men's 400m Olympic champion and world record holder, said the issue “goes beyond track and field”.

Sprinter Anaso Jobodwana accused the IAAF of “a useless, degrading witch-hunt”.

Under the rules to take effect tomorrow, female athletes with high natural levels of testosterone wishing to compete in events from the 400m to the mile must medically limit their testosterone levels to less than five nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). The normal level for women is below two nmol/L.

Double Olympic champion Semenya has said she will not take medication to reduce her testosterone levels to comply with the new rules.

The South African won what could be her last competitive 800 metres race at the Diamond League meeting in Doha this past Friday.

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Winning Cosafa not a priority - Benjamin

Brave Warriors Cosafa Cup coach Collin Benjamin has called up a 29-man provisional training squad for the tournament that will take place in Durban from 28 May to 8 June.

Benjamin said the large training group gives him more options to choose from, should the players pick up injuries while on club duty.

He also said their main focus going into the tournament is to prepare the players for the 2020 Total African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers and that winning the Cosafa Cup is not a priority.

“We want to give the players exposure as this is a mission for Chan. I know the players have a strenuous schedule as they are also busy with their club responsibilities, but I'm hoping that those called up will join the training, which starts today at 08:00,” said Benjamin.

He said it is not a secret that the Warriors have a goalkeeper challenge, which was the reason why Loydt Kazapua, who plays for Maccabi FC, was called up.

“I want to give him a chance to prove himself. I also called up Joslin Kamatuka (Cape Umoya). These are the only two players who don't play locally,” he said.

“Joslin is young, has speed and has been in the set-up for awhile. This is the time for players to step up,” Benjamin added. The training squad is as follows: Loydt Kazapua, Ratanda Mbazuvara, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Ikeinge Erasmus, Treasure Kauapirura, Larry Horaeb, Charles Hambira, Vitapi Ngaruka, Ivan Kamberipa, Emilio Martin, Aprocious Petrus, Edmund Kambanda, Absalom Iimbondi, Aubrey Amseb, Dynamo Fredericks, Lucky Heita, Marcell Papama, Wesley Katjiteo, Revered Matroos, Wendell Rudath, Gustav Isaak, Llewelyn Stanley, Martin Shimaneni, Johannes Jackson, Isaskar Gurirab, McCarthy Naweseb, Junias Theophilus, Joslyn Kamatuka and Quinton Kuruseb.

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Fallen United face huge rebuild

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United legend was built on scoring the goal that won the Champions League, but 20 years on the Norwegian now concedes the side he has inherited as manager is not even fit to grace that competition.

The scale of the task now facing Solskjaer was laid bare by Sunday's 1-1 draw at already relegated Huddersfield, statistically one of the worst sides ever to play in the Premier League, which ensured United cannot finish in the top four and must accept the consolation prize of a place in the Europa League.

“We are not in the Champions League but I think that is a true reflection. The table seldom lies at the end,” admitted Solskjaer, as he came to terms with a run of two wins from 11 games that has sucked the enthusiasm from his first few months as caretaker manager.

“When United needed their players to stand up and be counted, playing with intensity, taking responsibility individually, concentrating fully, fighting for the right to play in the Champions League, they froze,” wrote The Times.

“The meek may inherit the earth, but they also end up in the Europa League.”

Solskjaer was given the job on a permanent basis less than six weeks ago, on the back of winning 14 of his first 17 games in charge.

Yet, the hastiness of the club's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and American owners, the Glazier family, to take the easy decision of appointing the former striker then, rather than waiting until the end of the season, may only extend the wait for United to get back on their feet.

A massive summer clear-out is now required, but years of mismanagement means United are in the position of trying to find buyers for players quite happy to sit on their highly lucrative contracts at Old Trafford and struggling to hold onto those stars they do want to keep.

David de Gea has just one year left on his contract, while Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have so far refused to extend their deals beyond 2020.

“There is a chance you have seen the last of players,” said Solskjaer, after Huddersfield claimed a first point since February.

Solskjaer insisted on Friday the lure of playing for the 20-time English champions is still enough to attract players, but the lack of Champions League football or a director of football to lead the recruitment will not make that task any easier.

“There is nothing about this United team that I like at all. They're just awful. They're a despondent group of people,” said former United captain Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

“It would be nice if the club got an experienced sporting director and recruit a team to help him.”

The pain of United's predicament is only intensified by watching fiercest rivals Liverpool and Manchester City raise the bar to new heights in their tussle for the Premier League title.

Both City and Liverpool are reaping the rewards of long-term planning off the field and have put in place the right structures for their football to flourish.

By contrast, in the six years since Alex Ferguson retired, having lifted United's last Premier League title, the club have lurched through a series of quick fixes, appointed four different managers and never found the right solution.

The Red Devils have now missed out on the top four in four of their past six campaigns and the seismic gap between them and the contenders for the title is only getting bigger.

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Success for Team Namibia57 medals at Cossasa athletics championships Despite funding woes, Team Namibia returned from the Cossasa athletics championships with 57 medals.

Long-serving Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) national coordinator, Solly Duiker, says the just-ended Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) athletics championships, which took place from 2 to 4 May, was a success for Team Namibia.

Namibia sent a team of 68 athletes to eSwatini, which returned with 57 medals.

Namibia won 26 gold medals, 15 silver and 16 bronze medals.

Duiker said if they had sent more athletes, they could have easily defended the overall crown they won in Botswana last year.

“Funding is a problem, hence the reason why we took only a few athletes compared to Botswana, who had a team of 200 athletes and Zimbabwe had 120 athletes,” Duiker said.

He added that Namibia has talent, but more funding is needed in order to groom and manage the youthful athletes successfully.

Looking ahead, Duiker said there is more they would like to do for the athletes, but Namibia is in limbo when it comes to financing athletics.

Johannes 'Whiteman' Martin, who was the chef de mission in eSwatini, also shared his sentiments, saying the team performed above par.

“We were leading the medals tally on the first and second day, but Botswana and Zimbabwe overtook us on the third day because they had about 40 athletes participating in one event, and we didn't have a lot of athletes,” he said.

Botswana scooped 28 gold, 33 silver and 35 bronze medals, for a tally of 96, while Zimbabwe scooped 27 gold, 29 silver and 27 bronze medals, for a tally of 83 medals, to claim the runners-up spot.

Last year Namibia amassed 67 medals, winning 26 gold, 21 silver and 20 bronze medals.

Zimbabwe finished second with 73 medals (24 gold, 32 silver and 17 bronze) and then hosts Botswana took third place with 79 medals (20 gold, 24 silver and 35 bronze). Zambia finished fourth with 17 medals (seven gold, two silver and eight bronze).

Team Namibia was selected from the national athletics championships that were held in March. Athletes from all 14 regions participated.

The 2020 edition of the Cossasa champs will take place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

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