The Namibia Traditional Sports and Games Federation (NTSGF) has announced a series of exciting upcoming events aimed at elevating Namibia’s presence in the continental arena and celebrating Namibia’s rich cultural heritage through sport.
Chief among these is the Principals Sports Tournament, alongside the Principals’ Cheese and Wine Event, both set to take place in July 2025.
These events mark the beginning of Namibia’s journey toward the 2026 African Traditional Sports and Games Championship Cup.
The tournaments are not just local celebrations but form part of a continental campaign, as winners from these national events will automatically qualify to represent Namibia at the 2026 African Championship Cup, scheduled to be hosted under the auspices of the African Traditional Sports Confederation.
Speaking on the upcoming events, the Federation emphasised the importance of school and community involvement.
“Our aim is to use traditional sports and games to foster unity, national pride, and youth engagement,” said Jan Marais, secretary general of the NTSGF.
“These events are about more than just competition; they are about reclaiming identity and empowering the next generation through culture-rooted sporting excellence.”
The Namibia Traditional Sports and Games Federation extended its appreciation to the Namibia Sports Commission, with special recognition to Mr. Mwiya, whose unwavering commitment have been instrumental in guiding the Federation toward milestones that once appeared beyond reach.
“His dedication has not only shaped the strategic direction of our Federation but has also ensured the successful execution of key developmental programs.
“We are equally grateful to the broader team at the Sports Commission for their collaborative efforts, technical guidance, and support in rolling out initiatives that have laid a strong foundation for the growth of our national team.
“The Federation acknowledges that these achievements would not have been possible without the Commission’s steadfast partnership and Mr. Mwiya’s hands-on involvement in advancing traditional sport in Namibia.”
In a major show of support, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the African Traditional Sports Confederation will be visiting Namibia in June 2025 to provide technical support and strategic guidance as the nation prepares to host and compete in the 2026 African Cup.
The visit underscores Namibia’s growing stature in the continental traditional sports movement and the Confederation’s commitment to grassroots development.
The 2025 tournaments will feature a variety of indigenous games, including traditional board games, dance contests, folk wrestling, traditional soccer, and team-based strategy games, drawing participation from schools and communities nationwide.
These efforts reflect a national commitment to positioning Namibia as a leading force in African traditional sports and games.
In the photo: Traditional wrestling was once popular in African societies.
