Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – The future of the Namibia Rural Sport Development Federation (NRSDF) is looking bright after one of its executive members, Mervin Tjivikara Kamenje, obtained a qualification in Sports Education and Practice at the Africa Institutional Management Services’ (AIMS) School of Sports in Windhoek.
The 30-year-old, who specialised in athletics, also received the Best Overall Performer in Sports Education and Practice Athletics Class award at the first-ever graduation of AIMS School of Sports in Namibia.
He stated that he will use his qualification to help develop rural sports.
New Era Sport caught up with the young, vibrant sport enthusiast and shed light on his vision for rural sports and his journey towards achieving his qualification.
Kamenja’s love for sport started way back when he served on the executive committee of his native Otjinene Sport Association from 2014 to 2021.
“I came straight from high school to take the lead in community sport with little natural knowledge,” he said.
Kamenje’s passion for sport, especially football, led him to become chief organiser at NRSDF from 2019 to 2025.
He was elected deputy secretary general this year. The graduate said NRSDF will expand beyond football and netball to other sports.
Having graduated in Sports Education and Practice, with a specialisation in Athletics, Kamenje said it marked not only a personal milestone but also a commitment to transforming the sporting landscape in the country, particularly in rural communities such as Otjinene, where he comes from.
He observed that athletics is one of the most accessible and powerful tools for youth development.
This qualification will equip the graduate with technical knowledge, coaching skills and athlete development strategies to nurture young athletes toward sustainable sporting careers.
“My focus is to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development by strengthening school to community sport pathways,” he said.
Kamenje noted that many young Namibian athletes excel in zonal, regional and national school competitions, but there is a noticeable gap after high school.
Through his involvement in rural sport structures, including initiatives aligned with the NRSDF, he aims to bridge this gap by establishing athlete transition programmes that support athletes beyond school level into clubs, academies and national structures.
Moreover, Kamenje said he intends to advocate for increased investment in rural sport infrastructure, coaching education and competition opportunities.
“With this qualification, I am committed to being part of that solution, identifying, developing and elevating athletes from Otjinene and across Namibia to compete and succeed on international stages,” he said.
This is not just about producing elite athletes but also about empowering youth, creating opportunities and using sport for community development and national pride.
A highlight was when he served as an interim in the local organising committee for Region Five Youth Games.