KATIMA MULILO – The regional chairperson of the Namibia Boxing Federation (NBF) in the Zambezi region, Lister Sabuta, has said boxing developments in the region are currently paralysed by a lack of sponsorship. 

He said the federation has administrative structures in place to promote and develop the sport in the region, but these structures lack the funds to fully execute their duties. 

Even though they have over 30 boxers in the town of Katima Mulilo alone, the federation lacks training infrastructure and other necessities. 

“We are a non-governmental organisation trying our best to be visible, but we lack resources. We recently took part in the Zambezi Bream Festival, where we engaged different stakeholders. We are highly committed, we even had to use a boxing ring from another region just  to showcase at the festival, and that tells you how financially crippled we are,” Sabuta shared. 

He, however, added that although the federation lacks resources, some committed local boxers managed to win medals in youth and national championships. 

Only local retailer Kamunu has thus far assisted them with a free training facility for boxers. He called on other businesses to follow suit. 

“We want to revive and develop the sport like what was happening in the early 2000s. Boxing really has shown positive impacts on several people’s lives. There is a number of unemployed youth who can earn a living through this sport,” he pointed out. 

Approached for comment, the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) regional chairperson for Zambezi, Jennifer Simasiku, said it all boils down to budgetary constraints. 

She said the line ministry does not have a regional budget for different sports codes. Hence the onus is on the sport codes and their federations to scout for sponsorship. 

“It’s not easy to get sponsors. Some businesses lack passion for some sport codes, and you cannot force them, but the good thing is that there are deliberations taking place that may usher us into a new era because you cannot compare Zambezi with Khomas, Erongo and parts of Oshana, where you see different role players as far as sponsorship for boxing and other sports codes is concerned,” she added. 

She said although there appears to be delays in availing funds from the ministry, logistical assistance for sporting codes is always available. 

“Regional sport codes that make it to national and international level, the ministry is ready to assist them with transport, accommodation and meals,” she stated. -Nampa