Passion becomes a profession

There’s a professional career path for aspiring coaches as the University of Namibia (UNAM) has officially launched a Bachelor of Sport Coaching degree. The announcement promotes excitement, but also raises concern around employment in the sporting field.

For years, local sports coaches have relied on wisdom gained through playing sports themselves. Yet, Namibian coaches and athletes dream of representing their country in a professional capacity.

Head of the Physical and Sport Science Department at the institution, Ronelle Malan, shared more.

“The Bachelor's in Sport Coaching is an NQF level 7 course, which at UNAM involves a 3-year Bachelor's Degree, providing an intermediate foundation of knowledge and skills. It represents a standard undergraduate qualification, often totalling 360 credits, focusing on applied knowledge before potential specialisation in an Honours (Level 8) year.

 

The new course has already created a stir. According to Malan, “Firstly, it will help professionalise coaching. Instead of coaches relying mostly on experience or short courses, this degree gives them a deep knowledge of sport science, pedagogy, athlete development, and ethics. That means more coaches who understand how to develop training plans, prevent injuries, and apply evidence-based methods rather than guesswork.”

 

Malan also said that ”the degree strengthens local sports systems. Graduates will be equipped to coach at all levels - from community sport to national and international levels, raising standards across the board. Coaches with formal qualifications will be more employable, encouraging career pathways in sport rather than hobby-based involvement.”

 

Aggrey Mubita, rugby coach and teacher at PK de Villiers Secondary School in Keetmanshoop, believes there is a gap, and it needs to be filled by specialist coaches, especially at the grassroots level, where the foundation of every athlete is built.

 

Mubita stated, “What stands out most is that now there is a programme that addresses the shortcomings in sports coaching and management within the Namibian sports environment, and that’s a positive development. Yet, what remains unclear is that it doesn’t specify if students will be divided or enrolled according to specific sport codes or if it will just be a general coaching programme.”

 

From an athlete's point of view, Unam rugby player Don-Juan Beukes pointed out that the facilities have to improve if they really want to step into the professional field of sport. “I believe these changes will likely translate into better competitive results. Improved facilities, access to expertise, research integration, holistic athlete development, and increased opportunities can all contribute to enhanced performance. While structural improvements are essential, their practical application in training and athlete support is what ultimately drives success in competitions.”

Challenges still remain, like employment and access to quality high-performance centres, even though the new Bachelor of Sport Coaching degree shows a significant step towards strengthening Namibian sport.