I’m especially proud of our February 2012 issue of Namibia Sport because it marks the tenth year of our existence.
Namibia Sport started as a monthly sport magazine in February 2002 and since then we have come out on a monthly basis without fail, making Namibia Sport the longest running independent magazine in Namibia.
It has not been easy but we stuck to our task through thick and thin and now, ten years later, we have built up a record to be proud of.
This could not have been possible without you, our loyal readers, and our advertisers so to all of you I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks. I would also like to thank our hardworking and loyal staff, both past and present, who have brought this magazine to where it is today.
In this issue we take a look at some of the highlights of Namibian sport over the past ten years in our special focus. Although Namibia has a small population, it has still managed to produce some world beaters and world class performances, so take a trip down memory lane with us as we relive some of those exciting moments over the years.
Namibian soccer is undergoing a revival with an exciting and youthful squad taking shape under caretaker coach Bernard Kaanjuka. Kaanjuka has built up a fine record since taking over in October last year and to date was still undefeated after five matches in charge.
Over the festive season the Brave Warriors gave impressive performances by holding highly rated Angola and Zambia to goalless draws, both teams who are now competing against Africa’s best at Afcon 2012.
In this month’s issue we place the spotlight on Kaanjuka in a revealing profile about his past and future plans.
Namibia, of course, had been hoping to be at Afcon 2012 as well, but the Court of Arbitration finally turned down their appeal against Burkina Faso’s use of an alleged ineligible player.
At the time of writing CAS still had to give the reasons for their decision, but it would be interesting to find out what they were, especially since the NFA had been so confident of winning the case.
We know for instance that the initial protest fee of US$2 000 was not paid to CAF and if that was the reason then it’s a huge blunder, considering that the final cost is estimated at about N$250 000.
But the NFA will now have to put the issue behind them and focus on the future, which starts later this month when Namibia take on Liberia in a preliminary qualifier for Afcon 2013.
With the young Warriors in such confident mood, the nation will be expecting a victory and hopefully we can qualify for Afcon 2013 where it matters - on the field of play.
In athletics, the year got off to a great start when Beata Naigambo smashed the national 3 000m record last month, while our top athletes are hard at work as they try to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games. So far, only Naigambo, Helalia Johannes and Tjipe Herunga have qualified but other athletes like Roger Haitengi, Daniel Nghipandulwa, Frank Puriza and Globine Mayova could still make it.
We also take a look at the continued revival of tennis in Namibia after the Namibia Tennis Association staged a successful international junior tournament in January. Namibia’s budding star, 14-year-old Sedi Jacobs gave a great performance to reach the Under 16 final and she is one to keep an eye on for the future.
There is much more to read in this issue ranging from cricket and cycling to women’s soccer and swimming, so, till next time, enjoy the mag!
Helge Schutz
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