Team Namibia impresses at Commonwealth Games, says Chef de Mission

July 28, 2026

Athletics: Charley Matundu Represents Namibia in the Men’s 100m. Charley Matundu proudly represented Team Namibia in the Men’s 100m Round 1 at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Competing in Heat 4, he crossed the finish line in 10.50 seconds.

Team Namibia is drawing praise for its performance so far at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with several swimmers breaking national records and strong showings in bowls, boxing, gymnastics and athletics.

Chef de Mission Joseph Amakali says the mood in the Team Namibia camp is upbeat. “The atmosphere in Glasgow is okay. We have seen good performances from the Namibian athletes, more especially the swimmers that have broken several records,” he said, adding that the gymnastics team has also impressed.

Jessica Humphrey delivered another record-breaking performance in the Women’s 50m
Backstroke, finishing 6th in her race and 11th overall. She set a new Namibian Open Record
of 28.88 seconds, while also breaking the 17–18 Age Group Record

In boxing, Amakali singled out Philippe Houseb as a standout performer, having won two of his fights and remaining in contention heading into this evening’s action. However, he acknowledged setbacks for Gabe Hartley-Pinger and Pietre Scotti, who both lost their bouts earlier in the tournament. On a brighter note, Trigane Develo secured a win, and the team is now watching closely to see how young boxer Misha Arais performs.

Lionel Coetzee has secured his place in the Men’s Long Jump Final at the Glasgow 2026
Commonwealth Games after recording a best jump of 7.66m in the qualification round.
Following an opening foul, he responded with jumps of 7.62m and 7.66m to finish 11th
overall and book his spot in the final.

Waylon Wentzel has concluded his Men’s Singles campaign at the Glasgow 2026
Commonwealth Games after two closely contested matches. He narrowly lost to the Isle of
Man 3–8, 7–8 before closing out his campaign with another determined performance
against a strong international field. Waylon represented Namibia with resilience and
sportsmanship throughout the competition.

In bowls, Amakali highlighted the form of Waylon Vensel, along with the women’s pairs team, who continue to deliver strong results. He also praised the athletics team’s performance the previous day and said Paralympic sprinter Ananias Shikongo has yet to compete.

Amakali thanked Namibians for their overwhelming support. “We are receiving a lot of phone calls, texts, and it’s just a great thing,” he said, adding that he is proud of both the technical team and the athletes. “All that we need is just for us to support them.”