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Weeks-long sports events lockdown sparks controversy

• 4 Weeks Ago 11 February 2025

The indefinite suspension of sporting events, as directed by the sports ministry yesterday, has sent shockwaves through the sports community, drawing both support and criticism.

The ministry issued a directive indefinitely suspending all sporting gatherings and events during the mourning period for Namibia’s Founding President, the late Dr Sam Nujoma, effective from 9 February until the completion of the state funeral, which is generally expected to happen on the first or second weekend in March.

Africa’s last surviving founding president passed away in a Windhoek hospital on Saturday.

According to the directive, all sports federations, associations and organising bodies must comply by suspending all scheduled sporting activities in honour of Nujoma’s enduring legacy.

“Further guidance on the resumption of sporting activities will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

The mourning period, expected to last close to three weeks, will affect major competitions lined up in the coming weeks. These include the MTC Maris Cup football tournament, senior and schools athletics events, the FNB Schools mountain bike league, the FNB Insurance DTS Volleyball For All on 1 March.

Also within this period are the Namibia Rugby Union’s MTC Regional 15’s series and the Welwitchias’ friendly clash against Boland Kavaliers set for 22 February.

Organisers of the Pupkewitz Tour de Windhoek road cycling event, which was scheduled from 20 to 23 February, also go out of their way to market the event to professional teams from South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Cricket Namibia is set to host a men’s ICC triangular one-day series featuring Netherlands and Canada from 5 to 15 March.

Responding to a media question yesterday, the sports ministry spokesperson Guilhermina Eduardo clarified that sports teams are not restricted from training during this period, but any sports event which draws spectators should not be held.

‘Absurd decision’

Athletics coach Henk Botha, who gained international acclaim after mentoring 200-metre sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi to the 2021 Olympic final in Tokyo, was openly critical of the decision.

In his response to Sport Wrap yesterday, Botha said: “You can add my name in there ... I don’t think this decision is what the Founding Father would have wanted. It goes without saying that Namibians can honour and pay their respects in other ways, like black armbands and a shared moment of silence.

“But forcing a stop to all events as a way to show respect is absurd. It disrupts our schedule of training when suddenly stadiums are closed down. It puts us on the back foot in all preparations for the international competition season.

“The same applies to other sports codes. I appreciate the intent of showing respect, but I do not believe this would have been the wish of the Founding Father. I knew him well enough to know how proud he was of Namibian sports achievements. He would never have wanted us to take a step backwards.”

“Sports gatherings bring positive memories”

Cycling and mountain biking national coach Hans du Toit took a slightly more diplomatic approach: “The decision does not come as a surprise, since we had a similar situation last year with the passing of President Hage Geingob.

“I have a lot of respect for our national leaders, and [I believe] the weekend of the state funeral must be respected.

“I also think sports events could indeed be used effectively to honour and respect individuals. Sports gatherings create even stronger positive memories for everyone involved and could reach a wider audience.”

'Not above the law'

A sports organiser, who spoke under anonymity, urged the sporting community to comply with the directive.

“We are not above the law. It’s an order that came from the high office. It would be very disrespectful of anyone to go ahead and host any event after a directive like that.

“I think putting competitions and the fans in the picture right now will be undermining the seriousness of the situation in the country, where we are mourning the late Founding President.

“How the fans are feeling at this point in time is secondary, not primary. Right now, they must respect and observe the mourning of the late Founding President.”

'We will honour the directive'

Namibia Football Association (NFA) representative Isack Hamata said the directive is well received and understood.

“Dr. Nujoma led the struggle for the liberation of our country – the same liberties we are enjoying, including doing sports and other social activities. We will honour the directive as a football fraternity,” he said.

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