NSC recalls hockey coach after allegations of racism

REHOBOTH, 22 AUG  – The Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) on Wednesday recalled national Under-16 girls hockey team coach, Maryke Short, after allegations of ill treatment and racism were made against her by a hockey player.
A statement issued by the NSC on Wednesday said a complaint was made by Ruth Herunga, the mother of 14-year-old player Liya Herunga, who was allegedly omitted from the touring national team to Zimbabwe in favour of a white player.
The statement said a meeting involving NSC Chief Administrator Simataa Mwiya; Ruth Herunga; Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) vice president Konrad Wessels; and two officials tasked to investigate racism, tribalism and discrimination in sport was held Monday.
The NSC established that Liya was originally selected for the team, but was then excluded without explanation.
It was further established that the player registered her unhappiness with the way she was treated during a recent tour to Bloemfontein. She claimed not to have been accorded time to play matches during the tour, by the same coach, an incident confirmed by the Namibia School Sports Union (NSSU).
The NSSU also indicated that they encountered similar problems with Short and relieved her of her duties within the sports union’s structures.
The statement further said the NHU considers the matter as being serious and damaging to the image of the union.
“They will establish a task team to launch an investigation into the matter and will submit a report in that regard,” the NSC statement said.
Magreth Mengo has in the meantime been appointed as interim coach for the tour to Zimbabwe and Liya Herunga has been called back into the team.
The tour has also been postponed to November.  – NAMPA