Three Namibians were recently announced as nominees for the African Union Sport Council Region 5 Regional Annual Sport Awards (RASA).
Lahja Ishitile, Ananias Shikongo, and Coach Letu Hamhola will be vying for top honors at the regional awarding ceremony in the Sportswoman and Sportsman with a Disability categories, as well as Coach of the Year, respectively.
Namibia's paralympian, Lahja Ishitile, holds the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability trophy following her win at the 2023 edition of the RASA awards, which took place in Eswatini last year. Ishitile will now go head-to-head for the accolade again against Simone Kruger from South Africa and Hanna Winesi of Malawi.
She reflects on her nomination.
Decorated and the current Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, Ananias Shikongo will yet again vie for the honors of the regional award, following notable misses in the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Shikongo will go up against Theo Nkele from Botswana and Mpumelelo Mhlongo of South Africa in the Sportsman of the Year category with a Disability.
Another Namibian nominated is Letu Hamhola, who won the Coach of the Year award at the 2023 Namibian Annual Sports Awards. Hamhola expressed his gratitude for the recognition by the region as he goes up against Nayombe Muliyunda of Zambia and Lovemore Fazili from Malawi.
The Region 5 Regional Annual Sport Award (RASA) is part of the Regional Rewards Programme aimed at providing a unique opportunity for the Region to motivate Member States, Sports Confederations, team sports, and individual athletes by recognizing and celebrating meritorious service and outstanding achievements in sport.
Past winners from Namibia at the RASA's saw long-distance athlete Helalia Johannes and sprinting sensation Christine Mboma winning the Sportswoman of the Year and the Junior Sportswoman of the Year awards, respectively, in 2023.
This year's award ceremony is set for Saturday, May 25, in Lusaka, Zambia. In total, 10 individuals from 10 countries will be recognized in 10 categories on the night.