Namibia’s sport community united in their shared grief following the death of founding president Sam Nujoma.
The liberation movement figurehead died in Windhoek on Saturday due to illness at the age of 95.
Sport figures and federations paid tribute to his legacy and impact on the industry.
Athletics legend Frank Fredericks fondly remembers Nujoma as an inspirational man with an unrelenting spirit to see his compatriots prosper.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved founding father. His vision, dedication, and unwavering leadership have shaped our nation and inspired countless individuals, including myself as Namibia’s first Olympic medalist,” Fredericks posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
“His legacy will forever resonate in our hearts and minds, reminding us of the strength and resilience that define our beautiful country,” he noted.
“During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and all Namibians as we honour and celebrate his remarkable life and contributions.
“Let us come together to remember the values he instilled in us: unity, perseverance, and hope for a brighter future.”
Boxing promoter and trainer Nestor Tobias says Nujoma’s love and support for the sport code, and said he was not only a fan but a dependable father figure.
“Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma was a selfless leader who was deeply committed to the well-being of his people. The founding father was a man of compassion and generosity, always ensuring that those around him were taken care of,” Tobias said.
He remembered Nujoma as a man who, despite being busy with national duties, made sure to stay in contact and accept courtesy visits at his office. As a staunch supporter of sport, Nujoma became the patron of the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy in 2003.
“He also regularly invited my boxers to State House, providing them with the support and encouragement they needed to succeed. It is truly a great loss for Namibia, Africa and the entire world at large.”
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) said it was “deeply saddened” by Nujoma’s passing and instructed that a moment of silence be observed at all matches nationwide.
The Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura is a landmark dedicated to his role in uplifting football when he was president.
“Dr Nujoma led the revolution that gained Namibia her independence, paving the way for our country’s membership in Fifa. As a result, the Namibian football fraternity continue to enjoy international football,” NFA president Robert Shimooshili said in a statement yesterday.
News of Nujoma’s passing was “a great shock to the sport movement in Namibia and beyond”, said Namibia National Olympic Committee president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa. He remembers Nujoma as a founding leader who helped Namibia gain entry to the global sport arena through the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation in 1991. Hamutumwa credits Namibian athletes’ ability to showcase their talents on international stages to the founding president.
“We pay our tribute to Sam Nujoma and his footprint we shall continue to follow as young leaders that are in sport … Go well Dr Sam Nujoma, thank you for what you have done for sport and we shall continue to salute you.”
Netball Namibia joined the chorus of tributes for Nujoma, who they remember as “an iconic and exemplary” national figure.
“Dr Nujoma was not just a visionary in the halls of government, but his spirit and dedication also touched the field of sports, elevating the ethos of teamwork and perseverance that defines all sport within our community,” said Netball Namibia secretary general Sofia Simon yesterday.
“His unwavering passion for our nation’s unity and progress crafted a foundation that we, as sportspeople and citizens, continue to build upon today,” Simon said.
Julinho Athletic FC said: “Julinho Athletic FC joins the nation in mourning the passing of our esteemed Founding Father, Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to Namibia’s liberation, and dedication to national unity will forever inspire us.”
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