MoUs must be scrutinised - Matheus

09 July 2019 | Sports

Newly reappointed Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chairperson Joel Matheus says there is a need to study memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that Namibia has with sister countries, so they can benefit local sport.

Speaking to Nampa on Saturday, he added that if everything goes according to plan, the MoUs will assists in developing sport in various ways, to the benefit of Namibians.

“We are busy exploring MoUs with various countries to see where we can incorporate sport, so that we create a platform where sport development can take its course,” said Matheus.

Namibia has signed various MoUs with different countries, including Ghana, with whom six agreements have been signed so far.

These include deals for sport and youth development under the Namibia-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.

Matheus pointed out that other factors such as research and funding as some of the areas that can determine the future of sport in Namibia, when it comes to proper planning and development.

He emphasised the lack of data that could be used to back-up planning.

Matheus said if data is available, it could be used to drive the confidence of the private sector in terms of contributing towards sport.

He said collective information on challenges and the interest that sport attracts, amongst others, was needed. Despite the challenges they face, Matheus said he has confidence in what the commission has achieved so far.

“Last year we decentralised the annual national sports awards to be held in different regions, and did the categorisation of sport codes according to priority, amongst other achievements,” he said.

He added the commission is working towards providing leadership that can motivate the sporting fraternity to work harder and be more inspired, so it can be more impactful.

He said there is still room for improvement.