Veteran sport medic Donatha Ngunovandu is celebrating over 20 years of providing essential medical care and mentorship at the annual Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.
“From the very first whistle of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, I knew this would be more than just a job – it would be a journey of passion, responsibility, and connection.
“As a sport medicine practitioner, my mission has always been simple: to make sure every young athlete who steps onto the field of play feels safe, cared for, and confident to perform at their level best.”
Over the years, her role has grown to include pre-match and post-match medical care, injury assessment and management, taping and strapping, recovery support, and guidance on hydration and nutrition.
“At every tournament, I set up a fully equipped medical tent – a mini medical room on site – so I can respond immediately to injuries, stabilise players, and arrange safe transfer to hospital when needed,” she says.
“What makes this journey truly special is the trust and support I’ve received. Being given the responsibility to recruit and mentor others in sport medicine is incredibly rewarding.
“I’m proud to see the field of sport medicine grow in Namibia and to help open doors for more professionals to join this vital career.”
The former netball star says what is even more fulfilling is to see the players themselves, watching them develop, gain confidence, and now even play football abroad, knowing she had a hand in supporting them along the way.
“Each player’s success feels personal,” she says.
“It’s like a story I’ve been fortunate enough to witness from the very beginning. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey – especially the Namibia Football Association and the competition’s organising committee, as well as the coaches, fellow medical team members, and of course, the players themselves.
“Their trust, encouragement, and dedication have made this journey possible.”
As a certified sport medicine practitioner with a master’s degree in sport medicine, Ngunovandu remains committed to ensuring safe sporting environments, mentoring the next generation of medical professionals, and supporting the growth of youth football in Namibia.
She says the journey has been humbling, inspiring, and unforgettable, and she is excited to see where it continues to lead.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup she enjoyed the most was the 2016 tournament at Rundu, she says.
“It was exceptionally well organised, with the local hospital fully involved. They provided medical personnel and set up a mini clinic at the venue, which greatly supported the medical team and made my work much easier.
“That tournament remains very memorable for me,” she says.
“The worst injury I’ve had to handle during my career was when a Blue Waters player had a head-on collision during a premier league match and fell unconscious with a subdural fracture.
“I stabilised him on the field and transported him to the hospital, where he had major head surgery and survived. It was a serious test of my skills and calmness under pressure.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
