Jeremia Ndjembo was on Saturday elected as the new president of the Namibia Boxing Federation (NBF), succeeding Benjamin Rabang. 

The former boxer will lead the federation for the next five years. 

In a recent interview with this publication, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity. 

“I am happy to have been selected as the new president of the NBF. I know it won’t be easy leading such an institution, but I believe that working together with the board members will make the task more manageable. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone within the boxing federation for trusting in my potential to lead this organisation in the years to come,” he remarked. 

T he ne w l y – e l e c t e d executive committee includes Joel Ngungu, Lysia Hangula, Immanuel Hamukwaya, Trefina Shivolo, Selma Shikukumwa, Pe t rus Kashongo, Israel Hamutumbangela, Kefas Itaratjike, Martin Shipindo and Lazarus Amuthenu. 

On his short-term goals for the federation, the president, who was a boxer during his heydays, said it is very crucial to expand and grow the sport in all 14 regions. 

“Our main focus would be to expand boxing to all 14 regions of Namibia. We want to host monthly competitions in each region to see if we can discover new talents who might represent Namibia at the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles,” he said. 

“I believe we need to put in extra effort to go beyond what we are currently providing because this country has immense potential in boxing. We just need to work smart, and address the areas that need improvement,” he noted. 

Despite the financial challenges faced by the federation, he expressed optimism that they have been in talks with government. 

“We have support from the government, and they have assured us that they would come through, and add some financial muscles,” he added. 

The first meeting of the newly-elected executive members is slated for 7 to 8 February next year. 

During the meeting, various portfolios within the executive team will be assigned. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na