Fiba World Cup sharpens Namibian volunteers

Basketball
The contingent got a look beyond the scores and action on the hardwood into the planning required to keep a global tournament running.
Mariud Ngula
  • 1 Hour Ago

Six Namibians have returned with a first-hand look at what it takes to deliver the Women’s Basketball World Cup after completing a two-week volunteering stint that lasted until 15 September in Berlin, Germany.

Justina Louis, Tavizee Kauriatjike, Patrick Taziwa, Jacky Bohitille, Tireemukuru Toromba and Jana Coetzee worked behind the scenes of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) showpiece, contested from 4 to 13 September.

The six returned home on Wednesday evening after experiencing first-hand the planning, coordination and personnel required away from the hardwood to keep a global basketball tournament running.


Courtside view

Toromba, who was stationed in court entertainment alongside Coetzee, said the role gave him a close-up view of some of the world’s leading players from tip-off to the final buzzer.

“[This] was truly one of the highlights of my year. Standing there representing my country on such a big stage made me feel like I was part of the action, even though I wasn’t the one playing,” Toromba said.

His work began long before the ball went up. One of the biggest eye-openers was what he described as the “storyboard” of each game unfolding, with preparations beginning about 90 minutes before tip-off.

“I supported the presenters and performers, helped run activities during the intervals and managed quick turnarounds of props and equipment to keep everything running smoothly and on time,” he noted.

The front-row seat also showed him how little room there is for error once the clock starts running at an event of that scale.

“Looking back, [the event] taught me to manage time under pressure and work closely as a team to keep things moving.”


Other cogs in the machine

The media operations assignment gave Taziwa and Bohitille a different look at the World Cup machinery.

Their responsibilities and observations gave them a closer look at how journalists operated and how the Fiba and German Basketball Federation (DBB) media teams managed coverage at an international tournament.

Toromba said the experience pushed the group beyond familiar surroundings. It also showed them another side of basketball, where deadlines, access, coordination and information have to work just as efficiently as the action on court.

The volunteer management roles, occupied by Kauriatjike and Louis, provided another side of the operation, centred on supporting the wider volunteer workforce needed to stage the tournament.


Years behind the final product

One of the biggest lessons the group took away was that what spectators see over the course of a basketball game is the product of far more work away from the hardwood.

They were impressed by how the tournament had been planned down to the smallest details over the years. They also pointed to the patience needed to work long shifts and additional hours when required.

Two weeks in Berlin also allowed the Namibians to interact with people from different countries and experience the city beyond the arena.

Among the personalities they crossed paths with was German basketball great Dirk Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-season National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2019.

They also met Fiba president Saud Ali Al Thani, DBB secretary-general Wolfgang Brenscheidt, players, coaches and referees during their stint.

“I’m grateful to DBB, Fiba, the event volunteers’ team and everyone who made this tournament one I’ll never forget,” Toromba said.


Africa represented

The Namibians were also on hand for a World Cup that featured Africa’s Mali and Nigeria.

Mali finished 13th overall and produced a notable group-stage result by beating eventual bronze medallists Spain 82-73, while Nigeria finished 16th.

At the other end of the standings, the United States came from 14 points down to beat France 97-79 in the final, securing a fifth consecutive world crown and 12th title overall.

The Americans completed the competition unbeaten at 6-0, while France took their first silver medal and highest-ever finish at the event.

– mariud@nsh.com.na