NWF’s Team Onghoshi shines in Gauteng
Wrestling
The African continental wrestling championship to be held in late April in Casablanca, Morocco, is a major drawcard on the upcoming calendar.
The Namibian Wrestling Federation (NWF)’s Team Onghoshi has returned from the Ekurhuleni Open Championship in South Africa’s Gauteng Province with commendable results, showcasing their emerging talent and serving as a crucial trial for upcoming continental championships.
The team of 14 competed against wrestlers from across South Africa, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating significant progress. The 14 wrestlers achieved a total number of eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
Importantly, this tournament acted as a vital tool and further trials for the NWF to determine the best possible team to represent Namibia at the African Continental Championship in April this year.
Highlights of the team's performance include U17 prospects Lisias Shipopyeni (under-56.1 kg) and Petrus Haimbodi (under 61.9 kg) reaching the Freestyle finals in their respective weight classes. Bringing back a silver in these categories is truly commendable as the athletes are still only 14 and 15 years old respectively.
Both Lisias and Petrus also achieved fourth place in the U20 Greco-Roman division – attesting to their incredible talent and potential.
Several athletes demonstrated improved technique and competitive spirit. Dian Delport (14 years, under-76.7 kg) showcased exceptional resilience and determination after a rough 2024 wrestling season by bringing back the gold medal for U15 in his weight division.
Further solidifying his growing reputation as a skillful competitor, Delport also achieved the bronze medal for the Greco-Roman junior (U20) division.
In the Greco-Roman Presidents U20 division the team achieved four more gold medals – won by Brendt Kriessbach (87.6 kg), Theophilus Seveleni (56.1 kg), Lazarus Haimbodi (62.0 kg) and Darian Mouton (69.1 kg) – and bronze medals to Delport and Paulus Alweendo (56.1 kg).
These achievements truly resonates with the athletes’ hard work, strict training schedule, the hundreds of hours spent preparing and sheer determination and dedication of their coaches. The Namibian Wrestling Federation has expressed incredibly pride in the team and look forward to seeing how their dreams unfold.
Team Onghoshi's participation in the Ekurhuleni Open Championship was made possible through the combined effort of the NWF, parents, the Namibian Sports Commission, Ministry of Sport and the NSSU providing transportation to South Africa and back.
Their success underscores the NWF's commitment to developing wrestling talent and providing opportunities for young athletes to compete on a regional stage, while also strategically building a strong national team.
The NWF remains dedicated to fostering the growth of wrestling in Namibia and looks forward to continued success in future competitions, including the crucial African Continental Championship to be held in late April 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco.
The team of 14 competed against wrestlers from across South Africa, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating significant progress. The 14 wrestlers achieved a total number of eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
Importantly, this tournament acted as a vital tool and further trials for the NWF to determine the best possible team to represent Namibia at the African Continental Championship in April this year.
Highlights of the team's performance include U17 prospects Lisias Shipopyeni (under-56.1 kg) and Petrus Haimbodi (under 61.9 kg) reaching the Freestyle finals in their respective weight classes. Bringing back a silver in these categories is truly commendable as the athletes are still only 14 and 15 years old respectively.
Both Lisias and Petrus also achieved fourth place in the U20 Greco-Roman division – attesting to their incredible talent and potential.
Several athletes demonstrated improved technique and competitive spirit. Dian Delport (14 years, under-76.7 kg) showcased exceptional resilience and determination after a rough 2024 wrestling season by bringing back the gold medal for U15 in his weight division.
Further solidifying his growing reputation as a skillful competitor, Delport also achieved the bronze medal for the Greco-Roman junior (U20) division.
In the Greco-Roman Presidents U20 division the team achieved four more gold medals – won by Brendt Kriessbach (87.6 kg), Theophilus Seveleni (56.1 kg), Lazarus Haimbodi (62.0 kg) and Darian Mouton (69.1 kg) – and bronze medals to Delport and Paulus Alweendo (56.1 kg).
These achievements truly resonates with the athletes’ hard work, strict training schedule, the hundreds of hours spent preparing and sheer determination and dedication of their coaches. The Namibian Wrestling Federation has expressed incredibly pride in the team and look forward to seeing how their dreams unfold.
Team Onghoshi's participation in the Ekurhuleni Open Championship was made possible through the combined effort of the NWF, parents, the Namibian Sports Commission, Ministry of Sport and the NSSU providing transportation to South Africa and back.
Their success underscores the NWF's commitment to developing wrestling talent and providing opportunities for young athletes to compete on a regional stage, while also strategically building a strong national team.
The NWF remains dedicated to fostering the growth of wrestling in Namibia and looks forward to continued success in future competitions, including the crucial African Continental Championship to be held in late April 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco.
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