• Sport

Botha blasts Namibian athletics systems

• 1 Day Ago

Athletics coach Henk Botha has expressed frustrations over Namibia’s athletics systems, stating that they are below par at the moment.



Botha made these comments following the conclusion of the World Athletics Championships in Japan, where Namibia failed to have a track and field athlete.



“It is frustrating to see how other countries with smaller populations than Namibia are doing so well at global athletics stages.



“I must say that our systems do not cater for upcoming athletes, and this has been one of the downfalls of our athletics.



“Yes, there are events hosted, but that is not enough because events alone will not develop the athletes.



“Identifying talent and developing them through the process is what will help Namibia do well in future competitions,” Botha said.



The coach feels that Namibian administrators and the athletics sector continue to fail the athletes.



He insists that athletes who often shine at a young age are left to struggle on their own, with no proper financial backing or even coaching.



Botha believes this has created a vacuum in the development of Namibian athletes.



“I can give you an example of a few athletes who were doing very well at a young age, but they are currently falling behind.



“I do not want to mention names, but there was a young girl who was doing well in the 400m, and the last time I spoke to her, she said she has no coach and she is back in her village.



“These are the things that are frustrating me as a person, because Namibia’s focus on this talent is below par,” Botha fumed.



Botha, who was responsible for the coaching of two of Namibia’s golden girls, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, says administrators and companies only come on board after the success of an athlete.



“The problem with Namibia is that they mostly only tend to support athletes when they are doing well.



“You see sponsorships coming through only after the athlete has done well, but those who are upcoming and doing well are getting little to no support at all.”



The importance of the right nutrition, proper training facilities, and structured systems is something Botha feels has been overlooked.



Talent available



The coach further revealed that Namibia is a country with many talented athletes, more than countries that are doing well on the global stage.



“I can assure you now that this country has talent, and we would have been doing so well had we been following the proper systems of developing athletes.



“We just have to make sure that the structures are right and these athletes eat the right food, as well as follow the right development systems.”



Infrastructure lacking



Botha further touched on the lack of facilities in the country, which he feels has hampered the development of athletes.



The fact that there are no training tracks and facilities is one of the reasons why Botha has questioned the country’s intentions towards developing athletes.



“I must say there are even no proper tracks to train the athletes on, and we expect them to do well.



“This is just some of the things I feel we are not taking seriously as a country,” Botha said.



Envy Jamaica and Botswana



The coach expressed his desire to ensure that Namibia becomes “the Jamaica” of Africa.



Jamaica is one of the countries that has consistently produced top athletes, even with a smaller population and struggling economy compared to Namibia.



He also mentioned Botswana as a country that has taken its athletics seriously compared to Namibia.



“An example one can give is Botswana, which has been doing so well on the global stage.



“These countries surely have a plan and their systems in place compared to Namibia.”



Plans to groom



The coach plans to scout at least 10 to 20 athletes and ensure that they go through proper training and development structures.



He feels this could at least pave the way for better development and results in the future.