The Namibia Wrestling Federation (NWF) will send its largest-ever delegation to the upcoming South African National Championships in Greco-Roman wrestling, marking another major milestone in the sport’s growth in Namibia.
A total of 35 wrestlers, accompanied by six coaches, four officials and four team managers, will represent the country at the prestigious regional event.
The federation said the record-sized squad reflects the steady development of wrestling locally and the growing competitiveness of Namibian athletes on the regional stage.
In a statement issued yesterday, the federation described the achievement as a significant moment for Namibian wrestling, particularly in the highly technical Greco-Roman discipline, which has been part of the Olympic Games since the first modern Olympics in 1896.
“The size of this delegation demonstrates the continued growth of wrestling in Namibia and the increasing interest in the sport across all age groups,” the federation said.
Over the years, Namibia has gradually strengthened its presence at regional competitions, with the latest team representing one of the country’s strongest contingents to date. The federation added that the championships will provide valuable exposure and competitive experience for the athletes, many of whom are emerging talents hoping to make their mark internationally.
The squad features wrestlers from various age categories ranging from Under-8 to senior level, highlighting the federation’s commitment to long-term athlete development and grassroots growth.
The Under-8 division includes Martin Du Rand, Pieter van Niekerk and Haiki Haimbanga, while the Under-9 category features Christiaan van Dyk, Liam Slabber and George Haimbodi.
In the Under-10 division, Namibia will be represented by Frans Du Rand, Jurgens de Lange, Mattheus Blessing Paulus and Handre Hansen. The Under-11 team includes Harold Erasmus, Nathen Motrich Vleermuis, Milan van der Merwe and Eduan McKay.
Competing in the Under-13 division are Werner Klein, Zenber Slabber, Twakulilwa Nghilifavli Haimbodi and Ezra Rooi, while the Under-15 category consists of Stiaan Rossouw, Granville Swartz and Alehandro Uatema.
The Under-17 wrestlers are Lisias Shipopyeni, Loyizho Cantona Keyser, Henrico Durand and Paul Voster. Namibia’s Under-20 team includes Calvin Dreyer, Paulus Alweendo, Stefanovic Stephanus, Michael Kandume, Johannes Ndokosho and Lafras Uys.
The senior team will be spearheaded by Lukas Salom, Virinao Cliff Nguatjiti, Teophilus Seveleni and Devin Benhard.
The technical team will be led by national head coaches Charl van der Merwe and Luis Forcelledo Paz, alongside coaches Lafras Uys, Devin Benhard, Alex Haininga and Gabriel Gurirab.
Officials accompanying the team are Erika Theron, Alvaro Eixab, Alex Klein and Martyn Slabber, while the team management includes Erle van der Merwe, Anke Erasmus, Gonda de Lange and Francois Durand.
The federation wished the athletes and technical staff success as they prepare to represent Namibia and continue inspiring the next generation of wrestlers in the country.