Namibian para-athletes Lahja Ishitile and Ananias Shikongo have clinched coveted spots on the final roster for the sportswoman and man with disability categories at the prestigious RASA awards.
Ishitile shines in the T11 category, joining the ranks alongside South Africa’s Simone Kruger (athletics: discuss and shotput) and Malawi’s Hanna Wines (lawn tennis).
Meanwhile, Shikongo stands tall in the T11 category, competing against South Africa’s Mpumelelo Mhlongo (T44) and Botswana’s Theo Nkele (athletics: T13).
Adding to the Namibian pride, their coach Letu Hamhola, has secured a place as a finalist for the esteemed coach of the year award.
Hamhola’s nomination places him in esteemed company, alongside Zambia’s karate coach Nayombe Muliyunda and Malawi’s football coach Lovemore Fazili.
The winners will walk away with N$20 000, whereas the runner-ups take home N$5 000.
Namibia’s sports legend Frank Fredericks, finds himself nominated for the sport legend award alongside iconic figures such as Maria Mutola of Mozambique, Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia, Makhaya Mtinit of South Africa, Flavio Amado of Angola and Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe.
Fredericks’ inclusion in the nominations has brought joy to the Namibian sporting community.
Freddy Mwiya, chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, expressed his delight, stating, “I am happy we will be celebrating Namibian athletes, who have done a remarkable job. We submitted two other names for the sports legend award, namely Jacqui Shipanga and Harry Simon Sr. Fredericks made it to the list,” said Mwiya. The awards are set to take place from 24 to 25 May in Lusaka, Zambia, and will honour a total of 25 individuals from 10 countries, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication within the Region 5 sporting community.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na