Sheefeni Nikodemus
17 June 2011
NAMIBIA will only compete in eight of the 22 available events at the upcoming All Africa Games in Maputo Mozambique.
According to the NNOC’s marketing chairperson Ndeulipulwa Hamutumwa, the identified sport codes – boxing, swimming, athletics, karate, chess, triathlon, disability sports, badminton and tennis – represent the country’s best hope for medals hence the decision not to enter in more disciplines at the continental games that will take place between September 3 and 18.
Namibia only managed two medals at the previous edition in Algeria – a silver by former 800m runner Agnes Samaria and bronze by amateur boxer Japhet Uutoni.
“We believe that we might be able to get medals in these sport codes,” said Hamutumwa, the chef de mission, yesterday. “We want to improve our results and this is what we felt is the best way to do so.”
Hamutumwa said the committee responsible for screening the various codes in anticipation for the Games would now shift their focus on the performances of the athletes to represent Namibia in Maputo for which a deadline of July 31 has been set.
The sport official said Namibia’s top cyclists Dan Craven and Erik Hoffmann would not compete at the All Africa Games. The pair are in Europe and are attempting to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Seventy athletes are currently vying for a place on the plane to Maputo however this number is expected to be significantly reduced.
“The funding for Team Namibia is guaranteed,” Hamutumwa said. “Preparations are continuing and we should be able to present a competitive team to the nation.”
AllAfrica – All the Time
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