Three Namibians have been named among the top three finalists for the 7th edition of the prestigious Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), themed ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation’, which will be held this Saturday in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Leading the way is renowned para-athlete and Paris Paralympic gold medallist Lahja Ishitile, who has been shortlisted in the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability category. Ishitile said she will not be attending the awards due to personal reasons. However, she expressed joy at the recognition.
“I am very excited to be nominated among the best,” she said. Joining her is fellow para-athlete Chris Kinda, who is a finalist in the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability category.
In the media category, sport journalist Limba Mupetami has earned a spot as one of the top three contenders for the coveted Sports Journalist of the Year award.
The trio earned their nominations after being recognised at the Namibia Annual Sports Awards, as national winners automatically qualify for consideration at RASA.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Chief Executive Officer Stanley Mutoya said the awards continue to play a vital role in motivating excellence within the sporting fraternity.
“RASA stands as a proud testament to our Region’s commitment to celebrating excellence and catalysing sports performance,” he said.
“Since its inception, RASA has grown to become a vital platform that not only rewards distinction but also inspires innovation and commitment to high performance.”
He highlighted that the awards have significantly enhanced professionalism, enthusiasm, and ambition in national sporting structures across the region.
Mutoya detailed the rigorous and inclusive selection process, which begins with each member state hosting its own national sports awards. The national winners are then nominated for RASA, ensuring that only the top achievers across the region are considered.
Once these national winners are confirmed, all Region 5 structures – including Technical Commissions and strategic organs – cast votes to identify the top three finalists in each of the 10 competitive categories.
A panel of 40 seasoned sports journalists from all 10 member states then vote to determine the overall winners.
“This robust process guarantees credibility, transparency and regional representation,” he added.
Two special categories: Confederation of the Year and Country of the Year are decided by a separate panel of three respected adjudicators.
This year, the panel includes Falcon Sedimo, former CEO of the Botswana National Sports Commission; Puisano Tsosane, former Director of Sport in Lesotho and Retired Colonel Charles Nhemachena, former Director General of the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission.
The ceremony will be graced by the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and SADC chairperson, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who will serve as guest of honour.
“RASA continues to be a beacon of celebration and ambition in our region,” Mutoya added.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na