WINDHOEK – Namibian Boxing Federation (NBF) president Benjamin Rabang has expressed satisfaction with the national amateur boxing tournament held recently at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region.
The championship saw 90 boxers from 10 regions competing for selection for the national team.
Speaking to Nampa on Monday, Rabang said the event was successful despite a few factors that led to delays.
“We did not have transport to Katima so instead of starting on Friday, we only drove to Katima on that day and hosted the championship a day late,” he said.
He added that despite limited transport that saw four regions using one bus, they managed to host 12 regions at the championship that was won by Erongo.
“The only regions that did not join us were //Kharas, who did not have transport, and Hardap, who did not compete because they do not have boxing in their region,” he said.
Rabang said the boxers who competed showed that the future of boxing in Namibia is bright.
“Teams really prepared well for the competition and a number of good boxers were selected for the national team. We even saw Junias Jonas compete as it was a requirement for all boxers who want to be selected for the national team,” he said.
Nine elite and four junior boxers were selected for the national team. Junior boxers competed at the event for identification and grooming purposes.
The junior boxers selected for the national team are Joy Nangolo in the 48 kilogramme (kg) category; Junior /Gaoseb (50kg) and Linekela Nghifindaka (60kg), all from Erongo; and Richard Hubertus from Khomas (54kg).
The elite boxers are Nghiyolwa Paulus from Omusati (49kg); Nestor Thomas from Erongo (52kg); Nampadhi Sylvinos from Ohangwena (56kg); Tryagain Ndevelo from Ohangwena (60kg); Junias Jonas from Erongo (64kg); Mosquito Shaanika from Khomas (69kg); Shikongo Andreas from Khomas (75kg); Shaanika Immanuel from Erongo (81kg); and Henk Roets from Khomas (91kg).
The NBF president called on private companies to start supporting the development of sports at grassroots level.
“We are happy that Kamunu Wholesalers were there to support us with accommodation, the boxing venue and food, which really helped in us hosting this event. We want to continue hosting it but without sponsorship it will not be possible, that’s why we are calling on business people’s support in growing the sport of boxing in this country,” Rabang said. –
