RUNDU - Sports minister Agnes Tjongarero has commended MTC for living up to its promise to gift sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi houses as part of a worthwhile sponsorship deal.

While in Rundu on other official business alongside her deputy Emma Gaomas-Kantema, Tjongarero on Sunday visited the site where the houses are currently being constructed for the two on plots donated by the Rundu Town Council.

“I really want to thank MTC for the initiative. This is a good and permanent sort of investment. They are investing in these girls. You know, if you say I will sponsor you a pair of running shoes, after three races, these shoes are finished, but what MTC is doing will stand forever. They will use it; their children will one day inherit it; this is a big legacy,” she said.

Tjongarero encouraged the corporate world to step in to assist athletes who show potential, saying it will be very good for the youths, especially the upcoming athletes, who are aiming high, making it in the sports world.

A local contractor, Pop Constructions, is building the houses for MTC.

The athletes had a sterling year, setting the 400 metres alight before being banned from the event by World Athletics for “naturally high testosterone levels”. 

They then switched to 200m at the Tokyo Olympics, with Mboma setting a U/20 world record of 21.81 to win silver - Namibia’s first Olympic medal since Atlanta 1996. 

Masilingi recorded a personal best of 22.28 to finish sixth. 

Mboma became the 200m Diamond League champion and U/20 world gold medallist. 

This year, Mboma was voted the BBC African Sports Personality of the Year for 2021, becoming the first woman to win the accolade.

-  jmuyamba@nepc.com.na