SPORTS minister Erastus Uutoni on Tuesday instructed the new Namibia Sports Commission board to use their “impressive skills” to steer the ailing industry from the quagmire.
He said this when he swore in a nine-member board specifically for their experience, skills set and qualities he believes are crucial for their set mandate, which was partially realised by their predecessors, whose term ended last Friday.
“I looked at their CVs, some indicated their work experience in sports management, human resources and have legal backgrounds. You need people with such skills to advise the minister in matters arising in sports,” Uutoni said when introducing the new board at the ministry’s head office in Windhoek.
“They bring a collective wealth of knowledge. I want you to showcase this knowledge you have to move sports in Namibia forward.”
Uutoni retained Joel Matheus as chairperson, with Erica Beukes of the Namibia School Sports Union and the Namibia Rugby Union’s Tomas Mbeeli also getting a three-year renewal.
Matheus, Mbeeli, Alna Similo of Athletics Namibia and legal practitioner Linda Chicalu are all Uutoni’s appointments.
Along with Beukes, the federations endorsed sports commissioners Werner Jeffrey (Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia), Marius Johannes (Namibia Powerlifting and Weightlifting Federation), Karen Mubonenwa (Namibia Women in Sport Association) and Nicklause Nghumono (Disability Sport Namibia).
“We don’t want to see your muscles and fighting. I always say this kind of fighting is a sign of weakness. Focus on advancing sports. So, carry out your responsibilities in a fair and transparent manner,” said Uutoni. “Be exemplary to the federations. I expect you to bring a new dimension to sports, and reach higher ground.”
Matheus, who presided over a divided board during his maiden term, which led to the resignation of Jesse Schickerling, promised to run a tight ship this time around.
“It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity for a second term, and to receive the new board. I look forward to working with you, and building a strong team to move Namibian sports forward,” he added.
“We are capable to move sports forward; the challenges will not break our morale. We will be able to deliver the needs of Namibian sports with innovation and commitment.”
The new board of the Namibia Sport Commission, back row from left: Marius Johannes, Thomas Mbeeli, Alna Similo, Nicklaus Nghumuno, Werner Jeffrey, Linda Chicalu, Karen Mubonenwa, Erica Beukes and Freddy Mwiya. Front row: Reverend Ludwig Hausiku, Minister Erastus Uutoni and chairperson Joel Matheus. Nampa
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