African Stars’ former midfielder Jasmeth ‘Ninja’ Karongee has successfully completed a certificate in sport management with Aims School of Sport in the capital.
Responding to questions from The Namibian Sport, Karongee says he completed his certificate last year.
Karongee (44) says some challenges included not having a mentor who could push him to further his educational studies, especially within his family.
The former national footballer says: “But my older sister, Mathilde Karongee, who is now late, tried her best to push me to go back to school in 2005.”
“Things didn’t go as we wished, and then she passed on. We as students lack a source of information on where to go or search how to apply at various institutions.”
Karongee, who played for Eleven Arrows FC and Ramblers FC, says his wife was the one who learned about Aims first.
“She encouraged me to go study sport management because she believes in my educational qualities. But it wasn’t and it’s not easy, but hard work pays off. In God I believe, and I had faith in him.”
When asked if playing and studying at the same time affected his academic performance, Karongee says it did not, as he had retired from playing at that time.
“My wisdom and my natural talent. . . can’t be talked about in class; we have different skills. I had a vision about working in a sport environment after my football career.
“I wanted to be a coach, sport manager and even entrepreneur. There are not many people interested in sport management because there are a few institutions available to create employment opportunities in Namibia,” says Karongee.
He adds that it is important for active footballers to invest their time in education because it creates a pathway for future players.
“Education is the key to everything in life, whether you are at the local universities or vocational institutions. Education is vital for it to create working opportunities.”
The former midfield maestro says soccer is a short career, and education can help one sustain oneself financially after retiring from football.
“The most important thing is that parents, coaches and mentors must give encouragement. As for football coaches, I don’t see them doing enough to prepare players for careers after football.
“They don’t teach footballers about social issues, like alcohol and drug abuse. When should the players be focused on education? They don’t host events that promote the importance of education. Players must learn how to invest the little money they are making while still playing,” he says.
Karongee calls on current footballers, both male and female, to rethink investing in education, workshops, businesses and online teaching courses.
“Parents must not force their children; they must balance football and education. They don’t look at other former players currently struggling with making a living,” he says.
“Train coaches to act as mentors and role models that teach emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience – not just athletic techniques, but academic support, health education (e.g., HIV-AIDS) awareness and financial literacy.”
He says if there is more infrastructure more athletes will be produced.
“More coaching opportunities in schools will reduce unemployment in Namibia. I would implement life skills in sport, talking about social life, because nowadays it’s only about athletics. We forget about reality, what is happening in our communities.
“I would want to have my own sport institution someday. Last but not least, the youth must stay away from alcohol and drug abuse and focus on education. I want all private individuals and stakeholders to start investing in sport activities, school and academics,” says Karongee.
