NVF, FIVB partner to strengthen volleyball administration
The Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF), in partnership with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), has launched a national Sports Management and Administration Course aimed at strengthening administrative capacity and professionalising volleyball governance in Namibia.
The five-day initiative, which began on Monday and will run until Friday in Windhoek, forms part of the NVF’s strategic plan.
It brings together sports administrators, leaders, coaches and emerging managers from seven regions, namely Zambezi, Ohangwena, Khomas, Erongo, ||Kharas, Omaheke and Hardap.
According to NVF chief executive officer Festus Hamukwaya, the programme seeks to equip sports administrators with the skills needed to manage competitions, governance, finances, communication and development programmes effectively.
“As volleyball continues to grow, we need administrators with the skills to manage competitions, governance, finances, communication and development programmes effectively,” Hamukwaya said.
He added that the partnership with FIVB provides international expertise and best practices to help address administrative capacity gaps within Namibian volleyball.
Strengthening performance
Hamukwaya said effective administration plays an important role in creating an environment where athletes can perform at their best.
“Good administration creates the environment athletes need to perform. That can yield better results in planning, competitions, athlete support and development structures, which will ultimately contribute to improved performance over the next few years,” he said.
The course supports broader national sports development goals by focusing on good governance, capacity building, investment in people and regional development.
Hamukwaya highlighted the importance of including participants from different regions to ensure that volleyball development extends beyond Windhoek.
“It was very important because volleyball development must reach beyond Windhoek,” he said, adding that participants would take the knowledge gained back to their respective regions, where administrators often operate with limited resources and facilities.
Knowledge sharing
Participants are expected to act as knowledge multipliers by sharing their newly acquired skills with clubs, associations, coaches and fellow administrators.
The course covers governance, leadership, event management, planning, communication, marketing, finance, stakeholder management and athlete welfare.
Hamukwaya said participants would leave the initial training with practical tools to manage and deliver sporting programmes more professionally.
However, he clarified that the course would not conclude with the in-person sessions on Friday, as participants would still be required to complete online and practical sessions with the facilitator before receiving certification.
Future capacity-building initiatives
Hamukwaya described the collaboration with FIVB as positive and valuable, noting that the course marks the beginning of further capacity-building initiatives.
“We see this course as the beginning of continued capacity-building, with opportunities for future programmes in administration, coaching, technical development and competition management,” he said.
He also encouraged young sports leaders to embrace responsibility and integrity in their roles.
“My message is simple: learn, serve and lead with integrity. The future of Namibian sport belongs to young people who are prepared to take responsibility, develop themselves and bring new ideas into sports administration,” Hamukwaya said.
The NVF’s partnership with FIVB is intended to contribute to the development of sustainable administrative structures that support volleyball growth across Namibia.
