Study sport coaching at Unam 

The University of Namibia (Unam) has added a bachelor’s degree of sport coaching to the courses it offers in response to sport increasingly contributing to national development, youth empowerment, and public health.

Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho says the decision is motivated by the growing demand for formally qualified, ethically grounded, and scientifically informed sport coaches who can work effectively in sport, community, and school contexts.

“The introduction of this programme responds directly to skills gaps within Namibia’s sport ecosystem and aligns with national priorities, labour market needs, and international best practices in higher education,” he says.

Namesho says the degree is the first of its kind in Namibia and one of only a few sport coaching degree programmes in Africa.

It falls under the Department of Physical and Sport Sciences at the Hage Geingob Campus, while the majority of the teaching and practical components will be hosted at Unam’s main campus.

Namesho says graduates will be able to find employment in school coaching, club coaching, the community, sport federations, the development of athletes, and the identification of talent.

He says second- and third-year students will be able to participate in work-integrated learning, which will include internships at schools, clubs, and sport federations.

“For the first intake, the capacity of the programme is 25 students, and the application period is still open,” Namesho says.

Unam is also in the process of accrediting other sport-related degrees, he says, which include undergraduate and postgraduate sport science courses, expected to be launched in 2027.

Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) national coordinator Rogerdelty Kambatuku says the programme will professionalise sport coaching in Namibia.

“. . . and will ensure that coaches are properly equipped with the right knowledge and skills.”

Kambatuku says Namibia still experiences a skills shortage in qualified coaches, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.

Other areas, such as the Khomas and Erongo regions, enjoy better facilities and qualified coaches, improving performance.

Kambatuku says the presence of formally trained coaches at schools and in communities would improve safety, skills, and sport in general.

He says the NSSU is willing to collaborate with Unam on training, internships, and coaching.

“Sport lovers have always advocated for professional coaching training. This programme will assist in developing young talent, discipline, and improving the level of school and community sport,” sport enthusiast Johannes Amutenya says.

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