Nienaber elected new AN president

Nienaber elected new AN president

Athletics Namibia (AN) this past weekend ushered in a new era of leadership during its elective congress held on Saturday at Suiderhof. 

Leon Nienaber was unanimously elected as the federation’s president for the next five years, running unopposed and receiving overwhelming support from all attending delegates.

Nienaber will lead a newly- constituted executive team that includes, Mwilla Modestus (vice president), Madeleine Kotze (secretarygeneral), Nic Geldenhuys (finance secretary), Bethold Karumendu (track and field secretary),  Moses Teofelus (road running secretary), Remigius Iiyambo (cross country secretary), Cecilia Nepembe (official secretary), Henk Botha (coaching secretary), Meriam Minim (selection secretary), Victoria Katukula (medical and anti-doping secretary and Edward Kapewasha (publicity secretary). 

Outgoing president, Erwin Naimhwaka congratulated the new leadership and expressed confidence in their ability. Having served alongside most of the newly elected members, during his time as the president of the association, he believes and trusts that their vast knowledge will aid them in elevating the association further. 

“I have worked with most of these individuals before, and they know what is expected of them. I am confident they will excel in their respective roles. They are experienced and knowledgeable, and I trust they will build on the foundation we’ve laid over the years,” he said.

Reflecting on his time as AN president, Naimhwaka described as a period of growth and learning. 

“Serving on that board was a privilege for me, it was a very incredible journey that had its ups and downs. But I have gained vast knowledge about athletics as a coach and a president, and that was a huge significance in my life as I was navigating coaching and head of the association,” he said. 

Although he has now stepped down, he says he will still be very much involved with athletics as he intends to take up his coaching dreams seriously. 

“I’ll continue contributing to athletics through coaching. I have my club which is Unam Athletics Club (Unac) and for now, my core focus would be to nurture my athletes and eventually qualify them for the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, USA,” he noted. 

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na