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Roux and Scheepers claim Namibia's top sporting honours in 2026

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Martial artists Ryan Roux and Cherné Scheepers have emerged as Namibia’s sporting stars of 2026, claiming the prestigious Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year titles at the Namibia Sports Awards (NASA) held at the Mercure Hotel on Saturday.

The recognition follows outstanding international performances from both as they represented Namibia at the 2026 Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA) International Open World Championship, bringing home an impressive collection of medals.

Roux competed in the brown and black belt open division, where he collected four gold medals and one silver medal, becoming a four-time Ring Contact Fighting Arts International world champion in 2026.

Roux expressed gratitude for the support he has received, while acknowledging that his sporting journey is far from over.

“I truly appreciate it, and nothing goes unnoticed. I know this is still a very, very long road ahead and I’m grateful to have all of you in my corner. Thank you for everything. This is only the beginning,” he said.

Scheepers was also exceptional at the championships, where she was crowned semi-contact high kicks world champion. She secured one gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the international competition.

For Scheepers, the NASA honour represents more than her achievements on the competition floor. It comes after what she described as two difficult years, including the loss of her mother last year.

Speaking after receiving the award, an emotional Scheepers reflected: “This has been a very tough two years for me. I lost my mom last year,” she said.

“I joined RCFA right before she died, and they really carried me through everything. So, I put my heart and soul into every competition for my mother,” she said.

The awards celebrated achievements across various sporting codes, recognising athletes, teams, coaches, administrators and organisations contributing to the development of sport in Namibia.

Top juniors

Triathlon prodigy Nathan Chase was named Junior Sportsman of the Year and Karien du Plessis (RCFA) receiving the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.

Chase enjoyed another impressive season, becoming Africa junior triathlon champion and winning at Africa Junior Triathlon Cup level. His achievements also extended to cycling, where he won the Namibian junior national time trial championship, finished second at the Namibian junior cross-country mountain bike nationals and retained his Namibian junior national triathlon title.

Du Plessis became a three-time world champion at the 2026 RCFA International World Championship, namely in semi-contact sport boxing, close combat, and supreme fighting artist, while adding a silver medal in semi-contact high kicks, placing her fourth overall individual in the world championship rankings.

She said: “To be representing Namibia and winning this award is not only a dream come true, it feels so unreal, but it’s also going to fuel my commitment to work harder,” she said.

NASA award winners

Muzuvee Katjivive (Special Olympics, floorball) was named Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, while footballer Faith Kaetjavi received the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability as well as the country’s prestigious Sports Star of the Year award.

Keila de Oliveira and Quinton Gaeb received the Junior Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year with a Disability award, respectively.

The Unified Gladiators were named Sports Team of the Year, while Eliaser Amuthitu received Coach of the Year.

Patrick Esterhuizen (boxing) was recognised as Umpire of the Year, and Anri Parker, who became CEO of the Namibia National Olympic Committee in September 2025, received Sport Administrator of the Year.

Peter Shalulile claimed Professional Athlete of the Year in the Diaspora ahead of Deon Hotto as the other nominee, while Namibia Rugby Union received the Sustainable Sport Initiative of the Year award.

Special Olympics Namibia was recognised for its Federation and Community Impact, while K5 Sports Indoor and Outdoor Hockey Development Programme received the Sports Development Programme of the Year.

Sports Journalist of the Year became a single category this year, instead of with sub-categories as in some previous years. New Era’s Limba Mupetami won her overall fifth award since 2018.

UNAM Phoenix basketball team received the Roof of Africa Fair Play Award, while Britt Adonis-Byl (gymnastics) won the People’s Choice Award.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to journalist Helge Schutz, former footballer and administrator Frans Samaria, NNOC president Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa and administrator Joel Mathews (volleyball and NSC).

The Top Score Wall of Fame also recognised Willem Hans, John Walters and the late Siggi Frewer.

Sport sustainability

Beyond the medals and trophies, the ceremony also reflected on the importance of investing in the structures that support sporting excellence.

Speaking at the event, sports minister Sanet Steenkamp called on sporting stakeholders to strengthen the systems that support athletes, particularly at grassroots level.

She acknowledged that behind every sporting achievement are years of preparation, patience and sacrifice, as well as the support of parents, coaches, friends and technical personnel who often work away from the public eye.

“Your achievements deserve absolute recognition,” Steenkamp said.

Institutions and systems should be capable of matching the dedication of athletes, she emphasised.

“A promising young athlete should not lose momentum because there is no qualified coach nearby, or because the necessary equipment is unavailable, or because the pathway to the next level is actually quite unclear and ambiguous,” she said.

Steenkamp urged stakeholders to ensure that the journey from grassroots participation to competitive sport is not left to chance, highlighting the need for accessible coaching, equipment and clear development pathways.