馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
USA, Australia eye World Cup knockout rounds, Brazil in action
via The Namibian3 min read
The United States and Australia are looking to secure their spots in the World Cup knockout rounds on Friday. Mexico has already advanced to the last 32 after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The USA, coming off a 4-1 win against Paraguay, is confident ahead of their match against Australia. Australia also enters the game with momentum after a 2-0 upset against Turkey. A comment from a US pundit suggesting Australia would be an easy opponent has added tension, with Socceroos coach Tony Popovic stating his team will earn respect on the field. Meanwhile, Brazil aims to improve their performance against Haiti after a 1-1 draw with Morocco. Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes acknowledged the team's poor first match and pledged commitment for the upcoming game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to change the lineup and emphasized resilience. Scotland's captain Andy Robertson is urging his team to build on their 1-0 win against Haiti and secure a result against Morocco to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. Off the field, Iran's football federation plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding alleged travel restrictions, claiming their request to fly to Los Angeles two days before their match against Belgium was denied. The White House's point person for the World Cup, Andrew Giuliani, stated that Iran was informed they would be allowed to enter the United States only on the day before the game.
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Namibian long-distance runners Eliander Nepembe and Titus Elago earned silver medals at the 99th Comrades Marathon in South Africa. They completed the 85.7-kilometre Up Run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in under seven hours and 30 minutes. Nepembe finished in seven hours, seven minutes, and 16 seconds, while Elago crossed the line in seven hours, 24 minutes, and 57 seconds. Their performances contributed to a strong showing by Namibian runners at the event. Nepembe described feeling a mix of excitement and nerves at the start, highlighting the intense preparation involving early morning and weekend training sessions. He found the Polly Shortts climb particularly challenging. Elago credited strategic pacing for his success, conserving energy in the initial 50 to 60 kilometres before increasing his speed. He also overcame discomfort in his right foot during the race by maintaining a determined mindset. The Windhoek City Runners Club sent a record 34 members to this year's Comrades Marathon, reflecting the growing popularity of distance running in Namibia. Both athletes emphasized the value of international competition for gaining experience and exposure, with Elago suggesting it helps improve local events. Nepembe plans to compete in the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons next year, while Elago aims to qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon through the Black Mamba Marathon.
Rusten Sukhile Mogane, a former Black Africa midfield playmaker and Brave Warriors coach, reflects on his career, highlighting the honor of representing his country. At 17, while still a student at Augustineum High School, he made history by being selected for the South West Africa team in the Currie Cup tournament in South Africa. Mogane, who began playing serious football after moving to Augustineum, also excelled as a sprinter before dedicating himself to football. He played for Benfico Bucks and captained the Augustineum school team before joining Black Africa as its youngest player. Initially a right-winger, he transitioned to a playmaker role in midfield. Mogane was a consistent call-up for the South West Africa team in the Currie Cup and Impala Cup tournaments. Beyond football, he was involved in student politics, advocating for liberation. After qualifying as a teacher, he became a founding member and chairman of the Namibia National Teachers Union branch at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School. He later pursued coaching, attending courses led by Viv Anderson and Sir Bobby Charlton, and an A license course in Germany. Mogane coached Namibia's under-17, under-20, and under-23 teams before becoming head coach of the senior national team, leading the Brave Warriors to qualify for the 1998 Afcon in Burkina Faso. His coaching highlights also include reaching two Cosafa Cup finals and achieving two victories against Bafana Bafana. Mogane has coached several Namibian Premier Le
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group WBCG is calling on transport and logistics operators to utilize the pre-clearance system to prevent truck congestion at borders. This appeal follows recent delays and long queues at the Katima Mulilo border post, which have increased cargo transit times and demurrage charges, consequently raising operational costs. WBCG spokesperson Obrien Simasiku noted that a reluctance by some operators to use pre-clearing is a key cause of the congestion, leading to extensive document processing at the border. WBCG acting chief executive Edward Shivute acknowledged that while pre-clearance is crucial, other issues with supporting border agencies also contribute to the problem. He encouraged stakeholders to enhance coordination and streamline processes to improve efficiency and remove non-tariff barriers. Shivute highlighted that implementing One-Stop Border Posts and the 24-hour operations at Katima Mulilo are sustainable solutions. Addressing these challenges is vital to maintain the competitiveness and efficiency of the Walvis Bay鈥擭dola鈥擫ubumbashi Development Corridor, a strategic trade route, and to support regional economic growth.