Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Young sprinter Ndawana Haitembu is seeking N$40,000 to compete in the 2025 European Athletics season, which runs from 12 to 26 July across cities in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Her manager, veteran sprinter Roger Haitengi, said Haitembu needs N$25,000 for international travel and N$15,000 for accommodation.
The 22-year-old is scheduled to compete in four championships during the season.
On 12 July, she is expected to run the 100m and 200m races at the Moore-Guldensporenmeet in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Winners will receive €1,000 (approximately N$20,000) for first place, €600 (N$12,000) for second, €400 (N$8,000) for third, €300 (N$6,000) for fourth, and €200 (N$4,000) for fifth.
Haitembu is set to compete in the 100m event at the Meeting International de Liège on 16 July.
Prize money for the top five finishers is the same.
On 19 July, she is scheduled to participate in the Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder, also in the 100m category.
Her final race will be on 26 July in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the top prize is €400 (approximately N$8,000), with €300 (N$6,000) for second, €200 (N$4,000) for third, and €100 (N$2,000) for fourth.
Haitembu is currently ranked number one in Namibia in the 100 m category with a time of 11.66 seconds.
She is ranked second in the 200m with a time of 23.72 seconds.
She is also a 2025 USSA Championship finalist.
Haitengi said support for Haitembu would allow her to gain valuable international experience.
“Qualification for major championships with strong performances in Europe can help secure a spot in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and success in international competitions can inspire the next generation of Namibian athletes,” he said.
He added that Haitembu has shown consistency and potential.
“Adequate funding will ensure she can compete at the highest level and yield significant returns for Namibian athletics.”
