From the consummate facilities on offer at the various competition venues to the warm hospitality and overall organisation; Namibia’s chef de mission at the 2023 All Africa Games (AAG), Tjeripo Musutua, says the conditions are perfect for Team Namibia to produce the desired results.
Namibia is set to make her ninth appearance at the African Games, with this year’s games marking the 13th edition of the continental multisport games, which will be held in Ghana from 8 to 24 March.
A total of 78 athletes will represent the country in seven sport codes and will see the competition being held across three cities in Ghana: namely Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast.
Speaking to New Era Sport from Ghana, Musutua is pleased with the quality and modernity of the facilities that will be on offer during the games and says Namibian athletes should take advantage of the good conditions to scoop medals for the country.
“Preparations have been going well, and most athletes appear to be ready. Most of the facilities are ready and well in place, and one can see that Ghana went all out to make sure athletes have access to the best facilities during these games. So, after the opening ceremony this week, it will be all systems go for Team Namibia. Everything looks well set,” said Musutua. Namibia has competed in the last eight editions of the African Games, first appearing at the 1991 edition. The country has to date won a total of 51 medals, including seven golds.
Team Namibia at the Africa Games:
Wrestling: Ester Abraham, Goliath Romio Ricardo, Benhard Shafaihuuna Devin, and Forcelledo Paz Luis (coach).
Athletics: Sade Amo de Sousa, Ndawana Haitembu, Jade Nangula, Martha Ndapewa, Tuuliki Tulonga Angala, Napuumue Avril Hengari, Chrislene Klein, Hanganeni Fikunawa, Johanna Naambo Ludgerus, Erin Koff, Tjanjeua Nandi Vass, Gilbert Maseko Hainuca, Elvis Khikhoe JR. /Gaseb, Hatango Simusi Murere, Ivan Danny Geldenhuys, Andre Johannes Retief, Arno Nyanyukweni Angula, Chenoult Lionel Coetzee, Ryan Williams, Corneluis Coenraad Kuhn, David Dam, Mahhad Alexander Bock, Nekundi Onesmus Shipombo, Sherman Goerge du Plessis, Dux Lilato Lutahezi and Enock Junior Kawiwi.
Cycling: Monique du Plessis, Shilifa Olivia Ndeuyapunye, Anri Krugel, Jean Mari Mostert, Kevin Lowe, Martin Freyer, Denzel Junior de Koe, and Adrian Julian Key.
Swimming: Molina May Smalley, Reza Westerduin, Trisha Hope Mutumbulwa, Nailonge Nyayukueni, Jessica Olive Twapewa Humphrey, Alexander Sulter Skinner, Ronan Zuberg Wantenaar, Jose Nicholaas Canjulo, and Oliver Benjamin Durand.
Chess: Jolly Nepando and Heskiel Ndahangwapo Karate-Do: Keanu Stuurman, Suzelle Pronk, and Jane Chene Willibaldt.
Cricket – Men Team: Jean Pierre Kotzé, Jack Thomas Brassell, Nikolaas Jakobus Davin, Gerhard Johannes Janse Van Rensburg, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Dylan Otto Leicher, Simon Petrus Shikongo, Ben Sett N Shikongo, Addo Iita, Johannes Jonathan Smit, Morris Gerhardt Kariata, Handre Klazinga, Shaun Fouche, Pd Blignaut and Malan Kruger.
Cricket-Women Team: Kayleen Green, Arrasta Diergaardt, Wilka Mwatile, Mekelaye Mwatile, Mezerly !Garases, Irene van Zyl, Naomi Benjamin, Saima Tuhandeleni, Victoria Hamunyela, Yasmeen Khan, Dietlind Foester, Leigh-Marie Visser, Rianie Esterhuizen, Bianca Manuel and Sylivia Shihepo.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na