Boccia team set for regional champs test

Namibia’s Boccia team, supported by the Run Along Sport Foundation and Challenged Athletes Namibia (Can), will today begin competing at the Cairo 2025 World Boccia Africa Regional Championships in Egypt.The team departed on Sunday for the individual competition, which runs until Friday, and was officially sent off in Windhoek by the sports ministry through the Directorate of Sport and the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC).Namibia is represented by four athletes, including team captain Johannes Kahima (BC2), debutant Max Isak (BC2), Prince Namundyebo (BC1) and Aune Amutenya (BC4).The athletes underwent classification and equipment checks yesterday to confirm their eligibility in their respective BC categories.Accompanying the players are coach Selma Ndaitwah, assistant coach Noble Ikechukwu, team manager Jean-Paul Schmidt and physiotherapist Marieke Mocke, who is also a certified classifier and serves as the team leader.The athletes were also provided with boccia balls and two training ramps by the Run Along Sport Foundation to support their preparations as they pursue qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.Speaking on behalf of the athletes ahead of departure, team captain Kahima said the squad is determined to give its all and bring home medals.From humble beginningsCoach Ndaitwah confirmed that this is the third time the Boccia team is participating in an international tournament, following their debut in Egypt in July 2023 and a second competition in Greece in October the same year.“Our journey began humbly with the Run Along Sport Foundation in January 2023, when we had only one athlete, Kahima. We used to train under a tree in Ongwediva instead of on a smooth, indoor court, which is the standard environment for Boccia,” she said.“From those uncertain beginnings, he has flourished, finding joy and purpose in the sport he now cherishes.”Ndaitwah added that Namibia now has five classified Boccia players and is the second country in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to formally embrace the sport, following South Africa.“Our journey has not been without obstacles. We continue to face challenges related to equipment, financial support, public awareness and access to proper training facilities, which often forces us to train outdoors.”Despite the difficulties, the athletes have remained committed and passionate, showing determination to overcome the barriers in their path.Regional coaching certificateNdaitwah earned a regional referee certificate at the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) Championships in Bloemfontein in 2024. She said the experience deepened her resolve to provide athletes with high-standard training and competition.“Leading these talented individuals is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to promote the sport and empower athletes with disabilities throughout Namibia,” she said.Sports director Jo-Ann Manuel referenced the 2016 film Queen of Katwe to motivate coach Ndaitwah on her journey from grassroots to international recognition.“You are going to play against the best in Africa. That means something. Never look down on yourself. Go and conquer,” she said.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Boccia team set for regional champs test

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Boccia team set for regional champs test

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