Namibian players survive on 'bread and Oros’ in Zimbabwe

A youth team from the Namibian Handball Federation (NHF), consisting of around 36 individuals, travelled to Zimbabwe this month for an international tournament with a meagre N$5 000 food budget, reportedly resulting in players surviving on bread, jam and butter or tinned fish.The group says they only had access to proper meals while staying at a hotel funded by the International Handball Federation (IHF).A member of the travelling party, who spoke to Namibian Sun on condition of anonymity recently, said the team was forced into "survival mode" after funds intended for basic needs were allegedly withheld by the federation’s president.“We were just giving the kids bread and Oros juice. And when that ran out, there was nothing left. It was a national event – we shouldn’t have been in this situation,” the source said.According to the whistleblower, the federation president could not give a clear explanation regarding the funds. “Later, we found out he used N$3 000 but only gave us back N$2 000. But since the IHF paid the federation for transport, and the ministry covered the bus and fuel, then why did we have to struggle...?" the source asked.The players were also required to pay N$350 for a preparatory camp. Those unable to pay were excluded and had to arrange their own transport to the camp. "And lastly, the president kept that information from us, kept saying no money, and we should meet the federation halfway,” the source said. Lack of clarity It was also alleged that the NHF received funding from the IHF, but team members were unaware of how much was actually received. “The president has been receiving funds annually for these trips but doesn&#039;t disclose the amounts. We end up covering costs through sponsors or government contributions.”Initially, the federation president, according to allegations, claimed that only N$40 000 was received for the trip but later revised the amount to N$70 000 under pressure from the delegation. “We asked him, ‘Mr President, why are we struggling to feed the kids properly on this trip?’”Despite the transport and fuel costs reportedly covered by the IHF, the team had to rely on N$3 000 for the outbound trip and N$2 000 for the return to feed 36 people. “I personally paid out of pocket to take these kids to camp from Rundu. Now I’m asking for a refund or support for the return trip, and he keeps dodging the matter," the source said.The source further alleged that the president and his wife, who serves as the federation’s vice president, run the NHF from their home and are the only ones with access to the organisation’s bank account. “There’s supposed to be a council of regional representatives to serve as oversight, but it doesn’t exist," the individual said. The source alleged that several officials, including a former secretary general, were fired for asking questions about finances. “I too was dismissed via WhatsApp. No formal communication. He’s even threatened me, saying he would ‘end’ me. I asked him directly: ‘Are you threatening to kill me?’”Allegations denied NHF president Issy Nakamwe denied the allegations and defended the federation. “The sports commission does not fund us, and the National Olympic Committee rarely does either. We rely on sponsorships, but we’re often rejected like little girls proposing to a guy,” he said. “We’re making an effort to grow the sport internationally, to give these kids exposure and experience," Nakamwe added. He further explained that the IHF only covers fuel for the bus transport but not meals. “We received N$11 000 in food support. We divided that into two – one for the outbound trip, one for the return. Mostly, it’s a N$5 000 food budget. Coaches received N$600 each as an incentive. We gave N$3 000 for food on the way there for 28 kids.”Trip moneyNakamwe added that lunch packs were provided by Pandari Hotel in Zimbabwe, and a further N$2 000 was given to supplement food during the trip. Another N$6 050 was handed to a team member on arrival to assist with food and regional transport for players from Kavango East, //Kharas and Erongo.On the question of how much funding the federation received from the IHF, Nakamwe declined to provide figures. “We’re not in a position to disclose unaudited financials unless ordered by a court.”Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) spokesperson Givean Samulandela confirmed that the NHF only received transport assistance. “We are yet to receive a report on the trip. Until then, we cannot take further steps,” he said.A delegate from South Africa confirmed that each participating federation received a grant from the IHF for transport and accommodation, with amounts varying based on travel distance.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Namibian players survive on 'bread and Oros’ in Zimbabwe

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Namibian players survive on 'bread and Oros’ in Zimbabwe

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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