• Education

Young athletes pleased with Cosasa

Tunohole Mungoba



Namibia's top junior athletes geared up for the Cossasa (Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa) which was held this weekend (24-25 August). Countries represented were Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi, Lesotho, South Africa and Bostwana

Commissioner of the Cossasa Volleyball Federation Milles Simasiku Sinvula, said the games went well and although they had experienced a few technical glitches that prevented them from going ahead with the programme as planned.

“It was challenging at first as most of the countries pulled out last minute due to financial constraints. However, it is great seeing all the countries here together and the females are doing very well. It was a tough competition and I hope that all countries learn from each other and better preparation for next time” said Sinvula.

Zimbabwe scooped 11 gold medals, one silver and bronze in total collecting 13 medals. Hosts Namibia came second with seven gold medals, 12 silver and a bronze medal taking a total of 20 medals followed by Lesotho with one silver and a bronze medal, collecting 2 medals altogether.

According to one local athlete, he shared his sentiments on the overall tournament and felt that the games were not the best when it came to organising.

“The government did not assist as much as we would have liked, but all in all I am happy to be part of the games as it will groom networking and an exchange of different information from different players and different sports codes” said the athlete.

The Zone got a chance to speak to foreign athletes who got to share their experiences on the overall of the tournament.



Lesotho national team under 13 netball player: Palesa Mokapane

She couldn't contain her excitement when asked how she felt about the ­tournament and her experience in Namibia.

“It is my first time in Namibia and I am very excited to be here. It is a very beautiful country with very friendly people. I have been playing netball for a few years now and I really enjoy it. I am very happy that my country has picked me to be on the national team as I feel proud to represent my country. We will be working hard with the rest of my team mates to make sure we play well and win most our games” she said.

Zimbabwe national team under 13 netball player: ­Patricia Mateta.

As the captain of my netball team, I am very happy to be here for the first time in Namibia. The Namibian netball team is very good and they have excellent foot skills. This is something I want to implement for my team back home. We struggled to practise together as we are from different regions and we do not know each other. I did, however manage to make it work. We are a very diverse team with different personalities so we have to work together to make it work.



South Africa national team under 16 netball player: Sheneca Smith

I am very positive about the Cossasa games. We have been provided with the platform to meet and interact with different athletes from other countries. This does not happen often and I am very grateful to be given this opportunity. I have noticed that the Namibian team speaks to each other as they are on the netball court. They have good communication skills and this result in a good game. For future reference, I would asked the organisers of the games to make sure that the different provinces practise well in advance together so that the different players are given enough time to bond and know each other.



Malawi national team under 16 netball player: Patricia Moyo

It is also my first time in Namibia and the way other netball players shoot is different from us. I would like to bring that back home. Our team is very close and we work hard together, especially our defensive. In Malawi, we take sports very seriously so I am happy that the same is done in Namibia. I wish all the teams that played and still playing, all the best and may the best country.