Hinda gets N$100k boost ahead of EFC bout
Namibian mixed martial artist Veja “Hinda Boy” Hinda has received a N$100 000 one-year sponsorship from Kadila Poultry Farming ahead of his return to Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) action this November in Sandton, South Africa.
The sponsorship, effective from 1 August, was announced at a press conference in Windhoek on Friday.
Kadila board chairperson Etuna Hango said the funds will be channelled through Hinda’s fighting club, Kosoto Mixed Martial Arts, to support his career.
Kadila Poultry is a Namibian-owned broiler chicken producer, which Hango said will mark its second anniversary on 4 October.
“In that short time [of operation], we have grown into Namibia’s second largest broiler producer, producing around 400 tonnes of chicken each month,” he said.
Hango said the company has endeavoured to play an active role in the communities it serves from the outset, noting that a company is only ever as strong as the people around it.
In addition to supporting local communities through monthly chicken donations, he said the company has extended that commitment to youth development through sport.
“We believe sport matters because of what it teaches young people. Talent can open a door, but discipline, hard work and consistency are what allow an athlete to make something of that opportunity,” Hango said.
Backing the journey
Hango believes few sports better demonstrate that commitment to the craft than mixed martial arts, noting that what audiences see on fight night is the culmination of months, if not years, of training, sacrifice, preparation and setbacks.
“Veja made those sacrifices quietly and without an audience. Today he is competing professionally. That kind of commitment deserves to be backed,” he said.
He acknowledged that Namibia has no shortage of talented young people, but said the challenge often lies in providing them with the support and opportunities needed to progress.
Hango said Kadila wants to play its part in supporting the country’s sporting talent.
“We hope this journey can show other young Namibians what is possible when talent is matched with discipline and given the right support. We must also recognise Kosoto Mixed Martial Arts. An athlete does not reach this level alone,” he said.
“Behind every athlete are coaches, training partners and families who give years of their time, often without any recognition at all. We are proud of [Hinda], and we’re proud to stand behind you.”
Hinda’s preparations
Hinda welcomed the support, which comes at a crucial stage of his young professional career.
His second professional bout and first outing of the year came in early June, when he showcased his knockout power against South Africa’s Bheki Ngcobo, stopping him two minutes and nine seconds into the first round.
As he prepares to return to the cage in early November, with his opponent yet to be confirmed, Hinda is confident of putting on another strong showing.
“Thank you to everybody for taking time to be here and celebrate this milestone in my journey. It hasn’t been easy. As Kadila said, people only see the end product. The knockouts, the bright lights and the fame that might come with fighting,” he said.
Hinda said he has consistently put in the work over the past decade, training three times a day. He also expressed gratitude to Kadila for believing in him, what he is building and being willing to back him and his craft.
“I can’t [begin] to tell you how much this sponsorship means to me. This sponsorship is going to help me focus on what I do best, which is to prepare and compete and perform at the highest level possible. This is just the beginning. We’re gonna take over.”
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