The London Sharks Basketball Club has officially appointed Manuel Carballo, a globally respected Namibian basketball coach and development strategist, to its elite coaching staff – a move that signals the club’s ambition to strengthen both its professional programme and grassroots development pathways.
Carballo’s appointment marks a significant milestone, not only for his personal career but also for Namibia’s growing footprint in international basketball circles. With a résumé spanning across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, Carballo brings decades of coaching expertise, leadership in high-performance environments, and a strategic vision focused on holistic player development.
“I am truly honoured to join the London Sharks,” Carballo said following the announcement.
“This opportunity came about through years of networking, ongoing involvement in elite coaching programmes, and a commitment to building athletes from the ground up. What attracted me most to Sharks was their forward-thinking approach, their investment in youth, a winning culture, and the focus on long-term performance development all resonate deeply with my coaching philosophy.”
Carballo’s global journey has seen him take on leadership roles with national teams, Olympic development programmes, and various international basketball federations. He is particularly known for his work in Senegal and Rwanda, where he played a key role in advancing elite basketball programmes and preparing athletes for continental and international competitions.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in discipline, adaptability, and mental toughness, but he goes beyond the technical aspects of the game.
Carballo is widely recognized for promoting holistic athlete development, integrating elements of sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and long-term performance planning into his coaching methods.
His role at the London Sharks will not only involve working with the club’s senior professional team but will also extend to youth development, coach education, and performance optimisation across all levels of the club structure. He is expected to help shape the Sharks into a more competitive force while fostering a culture that nurtures the next generation of talent.
“Coaching in a multi-cultural, high-performance environment like London presents both challenges and opportunities. It allows me to bring in strategies and experiences from Namibia, Africa, and other parts of the world, while continuously learning and adapting. This isn’t just about professional growth – it’s about building a bridge for future generations of players and coaches from Namibia to the global stage.”
Carballo holds an MBA in Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership from York St John University (UK), and is a graduate of the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certification Programme (ICECP) run by the University of Delaware and the US Olympic Committee. He is also a FIBA Africa Certified Coaches Instructor, with additional diplomas in Sports Psychology, Strength and Conditioning, and Performance Planning through the Canadian Sports Institute and ANOCA.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na