Namibia netball snubs Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana

NAMIBIA does not recognise the netball Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Ghana, hence its decision not participate.

This is according to All Namibia Netball Association (ANNA) president Lydia Kandetu, who yesterday denounced media reports from Ghana that Namibia was among those nations that had confirmed their participation.

Kandetu said the “so-called Africa Cup of Nations” had been sanctioned by the Confederation of African Netball Associations, a body they deem non-existent, thus Namibia will not be taking part.

“ANNA wishes to state categorically that we do not associate with the so-called CANA,” said Kandetu.

“We also want to make it very clear that ANNA never confirmed Namibia’s participation in a netball event in Ghana as was stated in a media release by the Ghana Netball Association.

“The latter is currently not a paid-up member of both the regional and international federations and does not participate in any activities of the international federation.”

Furthermore, Kandetu said Namibia’s alleged presence at the event was engineered by ‘disgruntled’ former ANNA president Carol Garoës without the authorisation of the national association.

Kandetu said that Garoës, who was elected president of the now marginalised CANA in December 2007, was “trying very hard to tarnish the image of the current netball governing body”.

CANA is not recognised as a legitimate body by the International Federation of Netball Associations. “We wish to inform our netball community about the ongoing misrepresentation by individuals trying to mislead players and officials,” said Kandetu. “We also want to make it clear that players and officials that engage with any persons working against the ANNA are risking their own development and progress on national, regional and international level.”

Jo Anne Manuel of the Namibian Directorate of Sport’s Women’s Desk added that the ministry would see to it that no Namibian team takes part in the tournament and that the “confusing” matter is dealt with effectively.

“As far as we are concerned there is only one ANNA,” she said. “I will only work with those that are legitimate.

“If there is a team to be taken to Ghana then it is illegal. If I hear of any Namibian netball team going to Ghana then I will personally go to the airport to stop them.”

Manuel also said the Namibia Sport Commission needed to urgently take action against Garoës. “I don’t know why the Namibia Sport Commission is not taking action,” Manuel said. “It is time we put our foot down because it cannot go on like this.” sheefeni@namibian.com.na