Cricket Namibia (CN) is making an impact on the international stage, having been honored and recognized at a global and regional level over the past week.
The International Cricket Council announced that Namibia had won the ICC Development Initiative of the Year award at its annual Development Awards, while Cricket Namibia vice president Polly Negongo has been elected to the Africa Cricket Association board.
It is the third time over the past four years that Cricket Namibia has won the ICC Development Initiative of the Year award, in recognition of their development efforts through the Ashburton Kwata Mini Cricket programme. It has been integrated into the physical education periods of public schools, making cricket accessible to thousands of children across all 14 of Namibia’s regions.
According to Johan Muller, the CEO of CN, the programme has engaged close to 60 000 players, making it the ‘highest modified participation in Africa.’
“These aren’t once-off engagements – these are children actively and consistently playing structured cricket all year round,” he said, adding that cricket has grown tremendously over the past few years.
“The growth has been enormous. We grew from 16 000 in 2019 to 160 000 in 2023, and that created a ratio of one in every four and a half primary school kids in Namibia that have access to the game,” he said.
“But it’s not all about growth; the focus of 2024 was to make sure that kids have regular access to the game, that they play regular matches, that they encounter the love for the game frequently, and that it’s not a once-off engagement, so the focus for us was on continuity,” he added.
Negongo, meanwhile, was elected to the Africa Cricket Association board at the ICC’s annual general meeting in Singapore, which ended on Sunday.
Tavengwa Mukuhlanai of Zimbabwe was elected as chairman of the board, which includes Rihaan Richards of South Africa, Uyi Akpata of Nigeria, Stephen Musaale of Rwanda, Michael Nuwagaba of Uganda and Franklyn Conteh of Sierra Leone.
“This appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Cricket Namibia but for the broader African cricket community,” Cricket Namibia said in a statement, adding that Negongo expressed a strong desire for African unity and collective progress in cricket:
“It’s time for African cricket nations to come together and strengthen the brand of cricket across the continent. We’ve made strides, but Africa can go much further. Together, we’ll be a stronger force,” he said.
Negongo emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for Africa.
“Our focus remains on developing cricket, giving players exposure, and growing the game in rural and developing communities. The only way to improve is to give our players the right platforms, and that starts with unity, structure, and shared vision,” he said.
He added that alignment with the ICC’s global strategy will be a top priority for the ACA Board moving forward.
“The ICC’s strategic framework to grow, strengthen and protect the game will guide our efforts. As ACA, it’s our responsibility to make sure African cricket is sustainable, inclusive, and expanding.”
According to africacricket.com, Mukuhlani is a driving force behind cricket’s potential inclusion in the 2027 African Games in Egypt – a landmark initiative aimed at broadening the sport’s visibility and fan base across the continent.
“These engagements are crucial not only for visibility but also for opening new doors of investment, policy support, and continental collaboration,” he said.
“Grassroots development, youth engagement and the elevation of women’s cricket are at the heart of his strategy. He is also championing innovative funding models to expand ACA competitions and bolster national development pathways,” the website added.
“Together, let us continue to grow the game, empower our players, and position Africa as a rising force in the global cricketing family,” Mukuhlani was quoted as saying.
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