Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian Junior National Table Tennis Competition, sponsored by Phoenix Insurance Namibia, concluded over the weekend and featured strong performances by young athletes.  The event also served as preparation for the African Union Sport Council Region 5 (AUSC) Youth Games, set for next month.  In the Under-19 boys’ quarter-finals, Kamrouz Ghayouri defeated Kevin Zhang, while Agape Chicalu narrowly beat newcomer Fillemon Ikanda.  Caden Bosman dominated the under-19 boys’ category to claim the title. In the Under-15 division, Kevin Zhang bounced back to defeat Kamrouz Ghayouri and take the top spot. In the Under-13 boys’ final, Fillemon Ikanda beat…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Rugby Union director Jacques Burger has called on all rugby fans to support the national team, the Welwitschias, as they gear up for a series of international matches. Burger said that next weekend will be packed with action as the team faces Uganda on 14 June in Walvis Bay.  They will then play against South Africa’s Airlink Pumas on 21 June at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, before hosting Italy on 27 June. “Please come and join us to support the rugby team in the build-up to the game against Uganda in Walvis Bay. Then on…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Swimming Federation (Nasfed) president Riaan Steyn has cautioned the public and media against over-hyping athletes who participated in the swimming competition for Angola's 50th independence celebration held in Luanda last weekend. Namibia's team performance was seen as exceptional, finishing with the most gold medals and being declared the overall winners of the competition.  They collected 22 gold, 10 silver, and five bronze medals. Angola followed with 18 gold, 17 silver, and 30 bronze medals. South Africa came third with nine gold, seven silver, and one bronze medal. A total of ten teams took part in the event,…

Justicia Shipena  Nine-year-old Frederick Cronje went undefeated at the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championship held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 22 to 29 May. Cronje secured seven wins and two draws in nine rounds, earning him the title of African Schools Under-9 Chess Champion. The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) praised Cronje for his calm and focused performance. “It was not just about the moves on the board. It was about heart, focus, and incredible determination,” the federation said. They described Cronje’s play as courageous and mature, adding, “To say we’re proud is an understatement. Frederick, you have inspired a whole…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe National football head coach Collin Benjamin says the COSAFA Cup has evolved and is no longer a developmental tournament. He made these remarks over the weekend while preparing the Brave Warriors for the upcoming COSAFA Cup, set to take place in South Africa from 4 to 15 June 2025. “In the past, some countries used to select their B teams to compete at the tournament. That has changed now, as most countries are looking at winning the tournament, while the tournament also provides a platform for teams to prepare for World Cup qualifying games later this year,” he…