Namibian track and field star Christine Mboma’s coach, Henk Botha, expressed the challenges in organising races for the 2022 Olympic silver medallist, citing the lack of an agent as a major obstacle. 

Botha has been performing multiple roles in Mboma’s career – acting as her coach, manager, agent, and marketer. However, he revealed that the difficulty of managing these responsibilities was a key reason they decided to sign with CLD Sports Global, an American sports agency.

Botha emphasised how crucial it was for Mboma to have professional representation. “I don’t have all the information and contacts that agents have,” he explained. “After long discussions and considering different options, Christine made the choice to sign with Global.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Botha had to conduct interviews and evaluations to ensure they were making the best possible choice for Mboma’s career. “I had an interview with these guys, and it looks good. Hopefully, we can have a nice and long road together. It’s difficult for an athlete to run without an agent. An agent is compulsory to get into big races.”

Looking ahead, Botha remains optimistic about the partnership and Mboma’s future. “We believe Christine will be ready for the next season. 

If there are no injuries, we will have enough time for her to prepare for next year’s World Championships, which will take place in Japan during September.”

CLD Sports Global, founded by former American athlete Chris Davis, offers a range of services, including sports management, marketing, branding, and digital marketing. 

The agency has a growing reputation for guiding athletes toward high-level competition. By signing with CLD, Mboma joins a roster of prominent athletes, including Bahrain’s Olympic 2024 silver medallist Salwa Eid Naser and Nigerian sprinter Alaba Olukunle Akintola.

This move also reunites Mboma with fellow Namibian sprinter Beatrice Masilingi, who signed with CLD Sports Global last year. Masilingi has since returned to Botha’s camp after previously being represented by the Newton Agency in South Africa.

Botha’s decision to seek external support reflects his understanding of the demands of the international athletics scene.  

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na