Handura steps down as national coach

Namibia’s national women’s hockey coach Erwin Handura has resigned with the aim of focusing on his hockey development program. 

Handura’s contract as the women’s head coach was only due to expire in October, but Namibia Hockey Union president Reagon Graig confirmed on Friday that Handura had terminated his contract. 

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of Erwin Handura, the coach of the Namibian national women’s hockey team. Erwin has decided to step down from his current position to focus on his passion for hockey development, specifically the Standard Bank Junior Hockey Initiative, which is supported by the NHU,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Namibia Hockey Union on Friday. 

“Under Erwin’s leadership, the women’s national team has achieved significant milestones, including representing Namibia at various international competitions such as the Indoor World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, and the Hockey5s African Championships,” he added.

“Erwin has been with the team for an incredible journey that stretches from 1999 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2023. During this time, he accomplished many feats, making him the most successful coach in the history of hockey in Namibia.”

“Erwin’s dedication to hockey development is unwavering, and over the last two years, he has done an excellent job of developing hockey in 11 regions of Namibia. He plans to cover the three remaining regions, Kavango West, Zambezi, and Ohangwena, as well as strengthening hockey development in other regions.”

“Erwin’s contract was due to expire in October 2023, but we have agreed to bring the contract termination forward to allow him the freedom to focus on these developmental initiatives.”

“I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Erwin for his hard work, dedication, and success that he has brought to the sport of Hockey in Namibia. His achievements include leading the team to the gold medal at the Indoor African Cup of Nations, qualifying for the World Cup, and leading the team to the gold medal at the Hockey5s African Championships. Erwin has also received numerous accolades, including being named Coach of the Year in 2004 and the Junior Women’s Team being named Team of the Year. Additionally, the Senior Women’s Indoor Team was named Team of the Year in 2021.”

“I wish Erwin all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to continuing our working relationship with him in his new capacity.”