The Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) is under mounting scrutiny following allegations from players and coaches of colour that they are being sidelined in favour of white athletes within national teams. 

The controversy, which centres around the composition of the recently selected women’s High-Performance (HP) squad, has ignited broader concerns about racial inclusivity, financial transparency and long-term sustainability within the union’s operations.

Racial exclusions

A player of colour, who spoke to New Era Sport on condition of anonymity, accused the NHU of perpetuating a racially exclusive culture that disadvantages athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. 

The player claims that this has been going on for years and that the current women’s HP squad is made up entirely of white athletes, despite a diverse pool of talent available across the country.

“Year after year, we watch deserving players being overlooked. Selection often seems to depend on who can afford to contribute financially to the union – not who has the best performance record. There’s a silent system in place where some families effectively buy their children’s place on national teams,” he added.

This sentiment was echoed by a disillusioned hockey coach, who questioned the legitimacy of the recent HP squad selections. 

“No new players have been invited based on current league performances. Only U/21 players – most of whom were already in the system – were added. That’s not a merit-based approach,” the coach said.

He criticised the lack of visibility and engagement by national coaches during ongoing outdoor league matches, where many promising players could have been identified.

 “It’s hard to believe we’re scouting the best talent when coaches aren’t even attending the matches,” he stated.

The coach added that there have been serious concerns raised in the hockey fraternity about the president’s conflict of interest.

This stems from the fact that the president’s husband is the assistant coach of both the U/21 and senior men’s outdoor hockey teams. 

“How can she (Carin Slabbert) be independent and impartial in this whole matter? Also, why are most coaching staff on the national level white? Inclusivity within the coaching staff is lacking. All coaches, assistant coaches and technical staff at the senior level are white. Only black people are used as team managers. Does it mean that black people don’t have the expertise to coach at that level,” questioned the coach.

Response

In response to the allegations, NHU president Slabbert issued a detailed explanation of the selection process. 

She said the current HP squad was selected in June 2024, following a structured registration and trial process led by former Convenor Yolande Fourie.

She noted that selection followed regulation 20.1 of the NHU bye-Laws, which mandates that national squads be chosen by a panel of five selectors nominated by member clubs and appointed by the executive committee. 

She stated that five players of colour were included in the original women’s HP squad, though she has yet to provide an official squad list to New Era Sport.

She added that the same squads are being used from the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, with a few additions based on league performance and dual commitments to the Junior World Cup and Afcon. 

“We are actively working to improve diversity without compromising team performance,” Slabbert stated.

However, this has done little to calm concerns. 

The failure to release the full squad list, coupled with the absence of any public record of trial invitations or selection transparency, has only deepened suspicion.

Financial transparency

The controversy extends beyond the selection criteria. 

Several clubs and players have voiced frustration over the NHU’s financial structure.

They claim that players and their families shoulder a disproportionate share of the financial burden.

A New Era Sport investigation revealed that many of NHU’s core administrative and team participation costs are funded directly by parents or players, leading to accusations that team selection is influenced by financial contributions.

Asked about NHU’s funding model, Slabbert disclosed that the union relies on annual player registration fees, advertising revenue from boards around Doc Jubber fields, occasional administrative support from the Africa Hockey Federation, sporadic funding from government entities and Olympic bodies as well as, financial contributions from players and parents to fund team participation in tournaments.

Slabbert admitted that NHU currently has no long-term sponsors. 

She said advertising revenue alone is insufficient for operations. 

“Most administrative work is done on a volunteer basis,” she added.

Audit transparency 

Slabbert stated that NHU complies with legal obligations by submitting audited financial statements to the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC). 

However, when asked if those records could be made publicly available, she said she would need to consult with the NHU Council due to the sensitivity of the information.

In the spirit of transparency, New Era Sport has requested summaries of financial reports over the past decade to better understand how player contributions are used and whether all athletes are given equal opportunities, regardless of their economic background.

Growing demand

Another player, who spoke under anonymity, called for reforms. 

“We want publicly accessible selection criteria and player lists, equal opportunity trials that consider league performance and an overhaul of NHU’s funding model to reduce dependence on player/parent contributions, as well as regular reporting on diversity and inclusion progress,” said the player. 

Namibia Sports Commission’s chief administrator Freddy Mwiya stated that disgruntled players and coaches can approach the NSC to air their complaints provided they have raised the issue within their respective structure without a positive response. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na