From the Sidelines with Corry Ihuhua

THE recent extraordinary meeting of the All Namibia Netball Associations (ANNA) was expected to show a renewed commitment towards improving the state of the game.

But, this did not happen as the delegates reduced the gathering to merely positioning themselves for big positions. This is indeed a sorry state for netball, which is still struggling to improve its image after seeing progress stalled by fights between officials, lack of funding and the non-participation of some national sides in international competitions.The squabbles among some of the delegates who attended the meeting last weekend, not only saw them tarnishing their reputations, but it also exposed their lack of vision, total disregard for their constitution.The meeting only saw three regions in attendance at the time it was supposed to start, then the delegates were not sure if the meeting was the continuation of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in May or if it was an extraordinary meeting.This confusion justifies why netball in Namibia has gone down to the lowest levels, compared to the early years after Namibia’s Independence.Even worse, is that former spokesperson of the body, Connie Samaria, capitalised on the oversight by his colleagues, claiming that he was still in that position as they were using the 2001 constitution, rather than the 2002 constitution which contained several amendments that was supposed to nullify his position.Another ANNA executive member Tonata Gawanas claimed that she was never informed about her being removed from her position and vowed not to leave until she was given a reasonable answer.This led to a whole new debate about positions and in essence showed the unorganised way in which netball in the country is run.The aspiring netballers, especially in schools who go to training everyday as they strive to become the best in the country on that front, are the worst hit as their leaders are running the game for their own interest and not for the good of netball.A further setback is the constant racism row among the leaders which further affect the players as they have no interest in being classified by race or colour, but simply want to play netball, for their schools, regions and for Namibia.It is no wonder why ANNA has not been able to engage a credible sponsor for the various leagues across the country.As the custodian of the game, ANNA has so far failed to have a proper annual prize-giving for their players in the different leagues.The leagues also do not have funds to reward the winning clubs and this means that players play weekend in and out without looking for any compensation that can inspire them to do better next time.Some netball authorities only have their names as executive members on paper, but little if no action is being done to improve the conditions of the game.The fights over positions is clear testimony on the greediness of some of these members who only want to be seen as doing something for the game.Netball has long been in shambles now and it is high time that the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), or even the Directorate of Sport, launch an investigation to rectify the situation or at least give some directives that can uplift the sport.There are several individuals who have the passion and the desire to bring about change in netball and they should be encouraged in their efforts.Namibian netball has not only failed to win matches on the international front, but has denied itself opportunities to compete at that level due to poor management.Trips for both the junior and senior sides have been cancelled as the officials only discover at the last minute that there are no funds available.This situation is sickening and kills the spirit of the young netballers who love the game.An indaba like the one called by the football authorities will not be a bad idea.It can only work in the best interest of the game and the players.This is indeed a sorry state for netball, which is still struggling to improve its image after seeing progress stalled by fights between officials, lack of funding and the non-participation of some national sides in international competitions.The squabbles among some of the delegates who attended the meeting last weekend, not only saw them tarnishing their reputations, but it also exposed their lack of vision, total disregard for their constitution.The meeting only saw three regions in attendance at the time it was supposed to start, then the delegates were not sure if the meeting was the continuation of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in May or if it was an extraordinary meeting.This confusion justifies why netball in Namibia has gone down to the lowest levels, compared to the early years after Namibia’s Independence.Even worse, is that former spokesperson of the body, Connie Samaria, capitalised on the oversight by his colleagues, claiming that he was still in that position as they were using the 2001 constitution, rather than the 2002 constitution which contained several amendments that was supposed to nullify his position.Another ANNA executive member Tonata Gawanas claimed that she was never informed about her being removed from her position and vowed not to leave until she was given a reasonable answer.This led to a whole new debate about positions and in essence showed the unorganised way in which netball in the country is run.The aspiring netballers, especially in schools who go to training everyday as they strive to become the best in the country on that front, are the worst hit as their leaders are running the game for their own interest and not for the good of netball.A further setback is the constant racism row among the leaders which further affect the players as they have no interest in being classified by race or colour, but simply want to play netball, for their schools, regions and for Namibia.It is no wonder why ANNA has not been able to engage a credible sponsor for the various leagues across the country.As the custodian of the game, ANNA has so far failed to have a proper annual prize-giving for their players in the different leagues.The leagues also do not have funds to reward the winning clubs and this means that players play weekend in and out without looking for any compensation that can inspire them to do better next time.Some netball authorities only have their names as executive members on paper, but little if no action is being done to improve the conditions of the game.The fights over positions is clear testimony on the greediness of some of these members who only want to be seen as doing something for the game.Netball has long been in shambles now and it is high time that the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), or even the Directorate of Sport, launch an investigation to rectify the situation or at least give some directives that can uplift the sport.There are several individuals who have the passion and the desire to bring about change in netball and they should be encouraged in their efforts.Namibian netball has not only failed to win matches on the international front, but has denied itself opportunities to compete at that level due to poor management.Trips for both the junior and senior sides have been cancelled as the officials only discover at the last minute that there are no funds available.This situation is sickening and kills the spirit of the young netballers who love the game.An indaba like the one called by the football authorities will not be a bad idea.It can only work in the best interest of the game and the players.