Transformation debate rages on

Local sport commentators have given their perspective on the lingering debate around sport transformation.

Outspoken secretary-general of the Namibia Football Players Union Kahiriri feels that Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief Freddy Mwiya spoke in anger rather than addressing the issue of discrimination in sport.

Mwiya on Tuesday warned local federations and umbrella bodies to stop avoiding and rejecting the immediate introduction of transformation policies.

The NSC chief administrator was displeased about the slow implementation of policies aimed at transforming sport in the country.

Mwiya hopes for the introduction of a quota system that would bring a balance in the way races and tribes are represented in national teams. Kahiriri felt that Mwiya's statement could create further division in the sport fraternity.

“I don't support his stand as he is opening a can of worms, as you can't talk about racial discrimination in 27 years without taking about tribalism.

“To sustain such actions of quotas is a pathetic move as it invites incompetency to national teams.

“We have to build strong sports administrative arms and sports umbrella bodies which are financed to train and introduce marginalised communities in certain sports codes,” Kahiriri said.

He said Mwiya had spoken in anger.

“He is to my understanding speaking out of anger and lack of knowledge of the sports industry.

“You must study how the likes of Frank Fredericks made it and find a sustainable model, period.”

Namibia has often been faced with racial challenges as several officials came under fire for selecting teams based on racial and tribal favours.

It is for this reason that Mwiya felt the need for transformation in order to have fair representation of all races and tribes in the country.

Kahiriri advised decision-makers in the sport fraternity to seek help from knowledgeable people before speaking about certain matters.

“I went to school for these things but they don't want to consult people like us. They then take hasty decisions that will divide people in the game,” he said.



Exclusion

Veteran sport journalist Carlos Kambaekwa pulled no punches, saying he has been advocating for radical transformation within Namibian sport.

“This issue must be addressed because certain groups are systematically using codes to keep black athletes grounded,” said Kambaekwa who recently retired.

“Junior development teams especially rugby and cricket are dominated by whites and this should change. Most of these athletes attend private schools and can afford to be trained by the best coaches, but what about the rest who attend public schools?”

He added that the playing field should be levelled and that sportsmen and -women should not be kept in the dark because certain parents can afford to buy places for their children in teams at the expense of talented and equally deserving poor athletes.

“The government should tackle these issues and provide facilities and the schools should implement various sport codes in order to ensure that athletes excel,” added Kambaekwa.

Also sharing his two cents on the issue is Namibia Rugby Union president Corrie Mensah who said the country was in reverse gear when it comes to sport transformation.

Mensah said that transformation should not automatically mean the introduction of the quota system, but it should be about training and development.

“This whole system goes back to history. In the past, whites built proper infrastructure at their schools, till these days the structures are standing and are being used by the current children attending these schools,” he said.

“Now you need to go to Khomasdal alone, not even to rural areas and see if they have these structures and find out how many schools actually play rugby or cricket,” Mensah added.

Mensah also added that athletes in rural areas should be exposed to training and development because it is only then that transformation will take place.

LIMBA MUPETAMI &

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA