Botha slams NNOC 

Athletics coach Henk Botha slammed the Namibia Olympic Committee in a press release issued on Thursday night.

This follows the kit hand-over ceremony for the Namibian team to compete at next month’s Africa Youth Games Region in Angola, at the NNOC this evening, which was poorly organised according to Botha. Here is the full press release:

Statement by Coach Henk Botha on recent developments within the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC)

“I wish to publicly address several concerns regarding recent operational decisions and practices within the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC). 

My intention is not to create division, but to protect the interests of Namibian athletes and to distance myself from processes that I believe do not reflect professionalism, transparency, or responsible stewardship of resources.

I have enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the NNOC over many years. Together, we have celebrated major achievements and built systems that supported athletes effectively and efficiently. 

Unfortunately, since the transition in management, there has been a noticeable shift in priorities and a deterioration in the quality of service delivered to athletes and sports codes.

One of my most pressing concerns relates to the ordering and distribution of team clothing for athletes. Despite providing complete size information well in advance, many athletes arrived after travelling long distances – some more than 300 km – only to find that their sizes were not available. 

I personally experienced this as well. This demonstrates a clear failure in planning and execution, and it caused unnecessary frustration and disappointment for athletes who deserve the highest level of care and preparation.

Furthermore, the clothing procured from the United States was of disappointing quality and lacked event-specific branding. Such branding is essential for giving athletes the pride, identity, and sense of belonging that comes with representing Namibia on the international stage. 

The decision to spend significant funds on items that do not meet these standards raises serious questions about financial responsibility and value for money.

Additionally, I am concerned by several structural and administrative changes implemented by the new management, including the move from the previous NNOC premises – which were larger and better suited to operational needs – to a smaller, more expensive office. 

The justification for this move remains unclear, and the impact on athletes and federations has been negative. Instead of building on systems that worked well, there appears to be an effort to reinvent existing structures without considering the practical consequences.

Through this statement, I distance myself from the decisions and processes that reflect wasteful expenditure, poor planning, and a lack of focus on athletes. 

Namibia’s athletes must always be the priority. They deserve systems that function, leadership that listens, and support structures that empower their journey to excellence.

My hope is that this press statement encourages reflection, transparency, and a renewed commitment to athlete-centred leadership within the NNOC.”

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