‘Ali’ now a captain in the army

WINDHOEK – New Commonwealth champion boxer Paulus ‘Ali’ Nuumbembe has been promoted to the rank of captain in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

Nuumbembe, who is currently on leave from the NDF, became the first Namibian boxer to win a Commonwealth belt when he defeated British and former Commonwealth champion Kevin Anderson in a gruelling 12-round match in February this year. Nuumbembe, 28, received his promotion from Lieutenant General Martin Shalli during a visit to the NDF headquarters in Windhoek late last week.Nuumbembe, or the ‘Silent Assassin’ as he is also known, has served the NDF from the age of 18.Lieutenant Colonel Hulme, Nuumbembe’s commanding officer, was delighted with Nuumbembe’s win and his promotion, saying: “My road with Ali was one of thorns and roses at the same time.However, the thorns were not so many.Roses are plentiful after this wonderful achievement.”The NDF sports officer has always supported Nuumbembe and will continue to do so.”Ali, you are a real champion and a wonderful ambassador of Namibia,” she said.Nuumbembe is back home celebrating his win with family and friends and will be returning to the United Kingdom in mid-May to further his boxing career and realise his dream of bringing home a world title to add to his Commonwealth accolade.He has been training and living in the United Kingdom for over three years.NampaNuumbembe, 28, received his promotion from Lieutenant General Martin Shalli during a visit to the NDF headquarters in Windhoek late last week.Nuumbembe, or the ‘Silent Assassin’ as he is also known, has served the NDF from the age of 18.Lieutenant Colonel Hulme, Nuumbembe’s commanding officer, was delighted with Nuumbembe’s win and his promotion, saying: “My road with Ali was one of thorns and roses at the same time.However, the thorns were not so many.Roses are plentiful after this wonderful achievement.”The NDF sports officer has always supported Nuumbembe and will continue to do so.”Ali, you are a real champion and a wonderful ambassador of Namibia,” she said.Nuumbembe is back home celebrating his win with family and friends and will be returning to the United Kingdom in mid-May to further his boxing career and realise his dream of bringing home a world title to add to his Commonwealth accolade.He has been training and living in the United Kingdom for over three years.Nampa