Recently-appointed Netball Namibia secretary general says Nantinda Sofia Simon says she a sport enthusiast before she is an administrator.
It is this passion and dedication for sport that fuels her desire to help elevate the country’s netball, the.
“It is not merely a position; it is an opportunity to influence the future of netball in Namibia positively,” Simon said in an interview with The Namibian Sport.
“The role comes with immense responsibility, but I aspire to elevate the sport’s profile nationally and internationally. For me this position allows me to implement strategic initiatives that can lead to improved performance from grassroots to international levels.”
Simon’s journey in sports began at an early age, having started out as a triathlete and represented Namibia at various international competitions, culminating in becoming the Namibian road racing junior champion in 2016.
To hone her administrative skills, she has taken on leadership roles within various sporting organisations and the corporate world, while being actively involved in youth sports development.
She holds a Diploma in Business Process Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.
Additionally, she has international swimming coaching qualifications from the Hungarian University of Sports Science and is certified in personal training and event management.
Simon believes that she is sufficiently quipped with the requisite skills to navigate the complexities of sports governance.
“I’ve been involved in grassroots initiatives aimed at developing talent and advocating for the girl child,” she noted.
“I aspire to bring innovative ideas and effective leadership to the organisation, and foster collaboration among stakeholders, including players, coaches and sponsors to create a cohesive environment conducive to growth and success,” Simon said of why she took on the role.
“I also want to look at enhancing administrative efficiency and ensure that policies align with international standards set by governing bodies such as World Netball,” she continued.
“I have been fortunate enough to be part of managerial leadership within various sporting organisations and committees focused on youth development and sports promotion.
“And my involvement in organising events has honed me skills in logistics, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement—essential competencies that will serve me well as secretary general.”
Simon’s appointment as the first full-time secretary general signals Netball Namibia laying the foundation to transform from an amateur setup to an professional establishment, the federation’s president Rebekka Goagoses said.
Until now, all previous secretary general have served on a voluntary basis while maintaining full- time jobs in other fields.
The move was made possible through the Namibian government’s Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII) under Goal 4 of the Social Progression pillar, which concerns improved access to quality education and sports administered under the Ministry of Sport Youth and National Service, Directorate of Sport.
Goagoses said she hopes Simon will oversee smooth operations while providing guidance to the NN leadership.
“You are the chief administrator, you will be faced with questions from the regions, but if you have this document, which is the constitution of netball in Namibia, you will be able to execute it. You must always go back and quote these provisions where there is a lack of understanding,” Goagoses said when announcing the appointment earlier this month.
“Make time to go through that knowing because you are going to be our pillar. You are going to be the person where everybody will go to.”
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