Kavetja Ngaizuvare

At 21, Undjakuje Reggie Kauami is making a name for himself in Namibian basketball. Playing for Unam Wolves, his journey started when he was 14 years old, fascinated by how players dribbled and shot from a distance. 

Watching games was not enough, Kauami wanted to be on the court, making those moves himself.

“I used to go to the park and practice what I saw in games. When I got called up to play for an academy, I knew basketball was more than just a hobby,” he said.

Growing up, he looked up to Kyrie Irving, a professional basketball player from the United States known for his exceptional ball handling skills. He says his family has been his biggest support system, especially his mother, who always made sure he had the right shoes for the game. 

“She has been there for me, buying basketball shoes every few months, and my cousins also come to most of my games which means a lot,” he said.

Beyond basketball, Kauami is also focused on his education. He is a full-time student at Triumphant College, currently in his final year of Media Studies and Journalism. 

Balancing sports and academics is not easy, but he remains dedicated to completing his studies. “Education is important because basketball won’t last forever. I want to have a solid career beyond the court,” he explained.

Kauami takes his training seriously, making sure he rests well, eats properly, and watches basketball videos before practice. 

“Training is more important than the game itself because that is where I develop my skills and prepare myself mentally and physically, learning dribbling and shooting techniques,” he stated.

Winning his first championship at 19 remains his biggest career highlight, but the 2024 finals were his toughest game yet. 

“My team really needed me to step up, and I learned a lot from that experience. Handling pressure in big moments is not easy but I control the game as best as I can,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Kauami believes that basketball in Namibia has a bright future. 

“More people are getting into the game, which is great. We just need more tournaments to keep it going. The talent is there, and if we continue to develop players and invest in the sport, Namibia can compete at a higher level,” he stated. 

He also believes that schools and universities should take basketball more seriously by investing in training programmes and facilities. 

“If we want to grow, we need more structured development programmes, better coaching, and exposure to international competitions,” he added.

Looking ahead, his goal is to win three more championships, including the First National Bank Tournament. He’s also excited about the growth of basketball in Namibia. 

“More people are getting into the game, which is great. We just need more tournaments to keep it going,” he said.

Besides basketball, Kauami enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and watching series.  He noted that if he could play in any city, it would be Los Angeles. 

-klngaizuvare@icloud.com