Cucsa Games start on bad note

THE thirteenth edition of the Zone VI Student Games started on a bad note in the capital yesterday, with four countries failing to turn up for the bi-annual event.

The event is being held in Namibia for the second time. Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola failed to send their teams to Namibia, with two providing no reasons for the no-show.For now, only Namibia as hosts, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland are taking part in the competition which is held under the auspices of the Confederation of University and College Sport Association (Cucsa).Only Malawi, were reported to be on their way by yesterday, but were stuck at the border, according to the spokesperson of the Games, Eugene Brown.Brown told The Namibian Sport yesterday that they were disappointed by especially Angola and Mozambique, which did not provide reasons for not turning up.”In fact, the absence of all these countries has really disrupted our programme, and we were forced to make last minute changes to it so that we can at least get the Games going.We were hoping for Angola and Mozambique to at least send basketball teams this year, but the entire contingent did not come after all,” he said.Angola has now missed the Games twice.Lesotho decided not to attend, as they are busy with restructuring sport in that country, said Brown.He said despite countries confirming their participation, they tend to stay away at the last minute, but little if no action is taken by the authorities.He said he hoped that the General Assembly, which takes decisions, will look into this issue.The General Assembly of Cucsa takes place on Wednesday in Windhoek.On the alcohol abuse that has been associated with the Games in the past, Brown said it will not be sold on the premises of the Games.”We know that some of the students will acquire alcohol from outside, but we are not going to allow anyone to be in possession of it on the premises, especially the Namibian students.We are very serious about this and we will take serious steps against anyone who contravenes this rule,” he said.The Games are taking place at both the Independence Stadium and the Sports Fields of the University of Namibia.The Games were officially opened by Director of Sport, Vetumbuavi Veii, who also discouraged the intake of alcohol among the students during the Games.At least 800 athletes are attending the Games which will feature football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, athletics and netball.The competition ends on Saturday, with the closing ceremony billed for the Independence Stadium.So far, Namibia beat Swaziland 4-1 in their opening football match yesterday.Namibia ended third overall during the Games held in Swaziland last year.Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola failed to send their teams to Namibia, with two providing no reasons for the no-show.For now, only Namibia as hosts, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland are taking part in the competition which is held under the auspices of the Confederation of University and College Sport Association (Cucsa).Only Malawi, were reported to be on their way by yesterday, but were stuck at the border, according to the spokesperson of the Games, Eugene Brown.Brown told The Namibian Sport yesterday that they were disappointed by especially Angola and Mozambique, which did not provide reasons for not turning up.”In fact, the absence of all these countries has really disrupted our programme, and we were forced to make last minute changes to it so that we can at least get the Games going.We were hoping for Angola and Mozambique to at least send basketball teams this year, but the entire contingent did not come after all,” he said.Angola has now missed the Games twice.Lesotho decided not to attend, as they are busy with restructuring sport in that country, said Brown.He said despite countries confirming their participation, they tend to stay away at the last minute, but little if no action is taken by the authorities.He said he hoped that the General Assembly, which takes decisions, will look into this issue.The General Assembly of Cucsa takes place on Wednesday in Windhoek.On the alcohol abuse that has been associated with the Games in the past, Brown said it will not be sold on the premises of the Games.”We know that some of the students will acquire alcohol from outside, but we are not going to allow anyone to be in possession of it on the premises, especially the Namibian students.We are very serious about this and we will take serious steps against anyone who contravenes this rule,” he said.The Games are taking place at both the Independence Stadium and the Sports Fields of the University of Namibia.The Games were officially opened by Director of Sport, Vetumbuavi Veii, who also discouraged the intake of alcohol among the students during the Games.At least 800 athletes are attending the Games which will feature football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, athletics and netball.The competition ends on Saturday, with the closing ceremony billed for the Independence Stadium.So far, Namibia beat Swaziland 4-1 in their opening football match yesterday.Namibia ended third overall during the Games held in Swaziland last year.