Left in the dark

Some black cyclists have expressed their disappointment with the way the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) is running its affairs.

They say only particular cyclists are receiving funding, while the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) is doing nothing to intervene.

“As an avid cyclist in Namibia I would like you to investigate why cycling has not grown in popularity amongst blacks. The NCF has a role, and that is to promote, develop and include everyone in the sport. Whether black or white, but what are they doing at the moment,” said a disgruntled cyclist from the north.

“We have clubs and cyclists across Namibia, but we are sidelined from selection despite being affiliated to the NCF.

“They don't call us when they have national trials, neither do they host championships in the north, neither do they expose us to any possible sponsorship. Focus is only in Windhoek and surrounding areas.

“The sports code is racially aligned and you only find particular people with strong financial background running the show, but until when?” the cyclist said, who did not want to be identified, as he fears repercussions.

Another black cyclist said he has to travel at his own cost to Windhoek to take part in competitions and this is costly.

In addition, he mentioned cycling is an expensive sport and that the federation should at least reach out to other regions, so that perceptions can change.

“People running NCF are killing the sport. They are doing well with the BMX programme which caters for eight to 16 year olds, but what about elite riders?”



NCF responds

NCF president Rolf Adrian said they offer training, coaching clinics and sometimes pay for transport when there are competitions.

He said competitions had also been held in the north, but participation failed to impress.

“If something is unsuccessful, sponsors won't get on board.”

Adrian added they have a school cycling league, which they are trying to decentralise, as there is a lot of talent in Namibia.

“We have also opened a cycling centre in Keetmanshoop and are busy looking at opening another one. We should remember that sponsorship is limited and we have been informed that next year will be worse,” he said.

Adrian said the NCF is the umbrella body of cycling in Namibia.

“We have a constitution which we follow. Clubs need to become members of the federation and pay a membership fee. We support decentralisation and have development programmes in the regions and are also looking at ways to improve clubs and to get more.

“However, we do not give money to clubs, as we also don't get any from the sports commission.”



Mwiya?

NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya said the NCF received N$15 000 last year from the sports commission for administrative costs. This money is to aid the federations in running their activities.

“There are certain codes which receive more because they are of national interest. For example, the national football teams, both male and female, take up much of the budget when it comes to administrative and international funds.

“Sometimes we have to make a special request for money from the government when they qualify for major competitions,” Mwiya explained.

“It's not because we do not want to give federations money, but we aid them according to classification.”

Mwiya said federations should become self-sustainable instead of expecting money from the commission all the time.

“There are many people in our regions that own business; why don't they come and board and help those struggling federations?” he asked.

“We will have consultation meetings and people will not turn up at all to address problems. The sports commission is not a member of any federation and cannot attend meetings which chairpersons of particular clubs should attend.”

He said the NSC has a consultant who deals with complaints, adding the commission is ready to investigate federations who do not follow proper guidelines when it comes to selection procedures.

The sport codes fee breakdown is as follows:

Code A: Athletics, boxing, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rugby and volleyball. They received N$50 000 each for administration fees last year and an international participation fee of N$125 000 each.

Code B: Basketball, golf, gymnastic, jukskei, kickboxing, swimming and tennis. They received N$30 000 each for administration and N$50 000 each for international participation.

Code C: Archery, badminton, bowling, canoeing, chess, cycling, darts, debating, dila ekende, eisstock, electronic sport, endurance, equestrian, fencing, fist ball, horse racing, inline hockey, judo, karate, martial arts, motor sport, paintball, pentathlon, pistol shooting, ring ball, seawater and freshwater angling, shooting, squash, table tennis triathlon, water ski and wrestling.

They received N$15 000 for administration purposes, while international participation fees vary.

Umbrella bodies: Tertiary Institutes' Sports Association of Namibia (N$1500 000), Namibia School Sport Union (N$ 300 000), Namibian Women in Sports Association (N$500 000) and Disability Sport Namibia (N$700 000).

There are four mayor competitions that are listed as high priority. These are the Commonwealth Games, All-Africa Games, the Olympic Games, as well as the Region Five Games.

They receive close to N$25 million from government for athlete participation.



LIMBA MUPETAMI