Coblenz marks 70 years with Sem Kasete challenge

Coblenz Combined School’s 70th anniversary celebrations were given a sporting boost on Saturday as cyclists from across Namibia gathered for the annual Sem Kasete Cycling Challenge.

Martin Freyer claimed the 129km men’s race from Tsumeb to Coblenz, finishing ahead of Jaques Hanekom and Petrus Hanga.

Louise Breed won the 129km women’s category, with Marion Schonecke taking second place.

In the 69km men’s race from Grootfontein to Coblenz, Simon Johannes finished first, followed by Wilbard Shoopala and Bernardino Zeca Camenhe. Ayixe Shaanika won the 69km women’s race ahead of Annaloice Penduka.

The event brought together cyclists, school supporters and community members as Coblenz Combined School celebrated seven decades since its establishment.

The Sem Kasete Cycling Challenge was first held in 2022 as a Powerhouse Cycling Club outreach initiative and was named after former Coblenz Combined School principal Sem Kasete. The 2023 event was the second edition, while the 2024 race was the third.

As part of Saturday’s programme, previous winners of the cycling challenge were also recognised, with champions from earlier editions receiving trophies during the anniversary celebrations.

Among the 2024 champions were Aguinaldo Sassinde and Olivia Shililifa, who won the 129km men’s and women’s categories respectively, while Dintle Kelefhile and Anna-Mart Kruger claimed the 69km men’s and women’s titles.

'Let's grow'

Freyer, who competed in Saturday’s race, said the event offered more than just competition, highlighting the support and atmosphere cyclists experience when they arrive in Coblenz.

“When I compete here and I come and ride my bike here, I finish here in Coblenz, I see the cheering of the children, the school, the energy that all of you are bringing,” he said.

“I think we need more events like this in Namibia.”

Freyer said the Namibian Cycling Federation was looking to grow cycling beyond the traditional winter season and called on cycling clubs, sponsors and the federation to work together to attract more participants.

“Let’s grow this event. Let’s get more people here, put our heads together as a cycling club, as sponsors and as the Namibian Cycling Federation,” he said.

The Sem Kasete Cycling Challenge continues to provide Coblenz with an opportunity to promote cycling while honouring the legacy of one of the school’s former principals. This year’s race added further significance by forming part of the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

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