CAVB recognises Namibia’s volleyball growth
Namibia’s progress in volleyball has earned continental recognition after the Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) received the Best National Federation Growth and Development Award from the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) last weekend.
The award was presented during the CAVB Ordinary Congress held on Sal Island, Cabo Verde, from 3 to 4 October, where NVF president Tobias Eden Mwatelulo represented the country.
Namibia was among five of CAVB’s 54 national federations recognised for their growth and development during the 2025-26 period.
Mwatelulo said Namibia’s involvement in International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) development projects, including national-team development and knowledge transfer, was among the factors behind the recognition.
Development strides
The country has also grown its pool of international referees from none about three years ago to four.
Ndinelago “Ndina” Kasheeta and Abiatar Andreas officiate in beach volleyball, while Fillemon Amupadhi and Ihula Tobias Naushanga are involved in volleyball.
“That is the kind of development we are looking at,” Mwatelulo said.
Namibia’s progress on the sand has also produced continental success.
Max and Jura Krafft won gold at the 2025 African U21 Beach Volleyball Championships, while compatriots Luca Kesselmann and Fabian Biederlack secured bronze.
The performances earned both Namibian pairs qualification for the FIVB U21 World Championships in Mexico.
Namibia is also among the African nations qualified to compete in beach volleyball at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal later this month.
At home, Mwatelulo pointed to the continued staging of the NVF regional leagues, MTC National Volleyball League and Bank Windhoek NVF Cup as further signs of growth.
Namibia has also hosted legs of the CAVB Zone Six Beach Volleyball Tour in Windhoek and Swakopmund this year.
Away from competition, the federation has continued developing its administration and officials, while strengthening its governance structures and regulations.
An FIVB sport management and administration course was also held in Windhoek last month, bringing together administrators, coaches and other sports leaders from different parts of the country.
Where African volleyball is headed
Discussions at the two-day congress included strengthening national federations, expanding youth competitions and beach volleyball, creating more opportunities for women and giving athletes greater exposure.
Mwatelulo said greater cooperation between African federations will be important if the continent is to become more competitive internationally.
“Our aim is to put Africa on the highest platform, not always second or third best, and to win medals at major events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships,” Mwatelulo said.
He said stronger financial backing will also be important so federations can afford to send athletes, coaches, referees and administrators to competitions and development programmes.
Continental role
The congress also brought another development for the country, with Mwatelulo appointed to the CAVB Internal Audit Commission. He said he was nominated before the congress ratified his appointment.
Mwatelulo said the commission’s work centres on accountability and transparency within the continental body.
“For an institution to have strong policies, it needs to be accountable and transparent, with consistent implementation of the decisions made by congress,” he said.
He described the appointment as a show of trust and an added responsibility that allows him to contribute beyond Namibian volleyball.
“It puts Namibia in the discussions when the commissions are meeting, so we can contribute not only to the growth of Namibian volleyball, but African volleyball as well.
“I now have bigger responsibilities. It is no longer just about Namibia, but Africa as one,” Mwatelulo said.
