Kamikaze celebrates thirty years of hockey and fun
Three decades ago, it all began with a group of boys skating on the streets of Windhoek, often chased away by the police. They didn’t give up. Instead, they found indoor arenas, such as the one at Sport Klub Windhoek, where they were allowed to skate.“At some point, ice hockey sticks came along, and that’s how we started inline hockey in Namibia and founded the Kamikaze Inline Hockey Club,” recalls Mario Katzur, who remains an active member of the club today.
Back then, many doubted that inline hockey would catch on in Namibia. But from 4 to 7 September, Kamikaze will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a brunch during its annual inline hockey tournament. In addition to thrilling games, musician American Rick will perform, and, naturally, cake and a toast will mark the milestone.
The sport’s growth is evident internationally as well: this year, Namibia won bronze at the World Games in Chengdu. While inline hockey remains a niche sport and equipment can be expensive, the community is welcoming. Newcomers can borrow gear from the club and gradually find their footing in the game.
Youth development is a major focus for Kamikaze. All age groups are coached by Luke Stammitiadis, often supported by assistant coaches who may be international players bringing global expertise, or experienced members from the Kamikaze community. Every Friday, the club runs “Learn to Skate” sessions at the Kamikaze Arena, giving children and adults the chance to learn skating from scratch, a crucial skill for anyone hoping to play inline hockey successfully. Special sessions are also offered to schools, providing students with a safe environment to master basic skating skills.
Today, Kamikaze boasts over 100 members. Last Tuesday, they gathered for official team and group photos, celebrating the occasion with balloons released into the air, a snapshot that perfectly captures this milestone.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Inline hockey receives no government support. Yet the players’ passion has kept the sport alive for 30 years, demonstrating the commitment, community spirit, and dedication required to establish a niche sport in Namibia.
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