The Jiu-Jitsu Federation Namibia (JJFN) has announced a 36-athlete Team Namibia squad for the AJP Tour South Africa National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, scheduled for 24 and 25 October in Cape Town, South Africa.
The championship will feature Gi and No-Gi competitions, giving Namibian athletes an opportunity to test their skills against some of the continent’s leading competitors on the international stage.
JJFN also acknowledged the contributions of parents, sponsors, clubs, coaches, volunteers and the wider jiu-jitsu community in supporting athletes and strengthening the sport nationally.
As the team prepares for the Cape Town competition, the federation has expressed confidence that the athletes will represent Namibia with pride, discipline, integrity and sportsmanship.
The AJP Tour South Africa National Championship will provide the Namibian contingent with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and demonstrate the progress of the sport at both national and development levels. The federation described the selection as an important milestone in the continued growth of jiu-jitsu in Namibia, highlighting the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials and clubs in preparing competitors for international participation.
The selected delegation comprises 21 National Team athletes who will receive Namibian National Colours and 15 Development Team members recognised as part of Team Namibia. The selection reflects the federation’s commitment to developing established competitors while creating opportunities for emerging talent.
The National Team includes Sheena Dornubari Edamkue, Peter Ernie Garthoff, Joshua Caleb Lucas, Joshua Opali Obuya, Geoffrey Junior Kitongo, Xavier Zayden Tsuob, Saima Nailoke Tupopyeni Mbendeka, Gabriel Mwanachilenga Obuya, Jeremy Natangwe Nehoya, Ibitola Iyaloo Akinocho and Noah Hannes Nehoya.
Other National Team members are Jacobus Burger Blaauw, Ava Ndinelao Nehoya, Janro Lamprecht, Jethro Black, John-Marshall Klazen, Jonathan Jaydon Jansen, Afra-Maya Kathrein Dhanaka Schulz, Jonathan Richard Steinbach, Brandon-Lee Shonville Similo and Tertia Madelein Klazen.
The Development Team consists of Anashe Amarah Chiripai, Isaiah Tuvoyeomwa-Duncan Edamkue, Shaun William Eastes, Nylah Do Carmo Coelho, Paulus Eden Nafimane Hamukwaya, Timothy Musuuo, Gabriella Ndinelao Lucia Taatinamene Nghitukwa and Khuma Perez Malgas. Completing the development squad are Jeremy Musuuo, Mason Denilson Reeze Kauraisa, Leslie Watts Trollope, Kaiden Ezekiel Yambeko Shiimi, Seth Ignatius Tendaishe Mutasa, Tahro Opperman and Werner Ahrens.
BN Shoombe has been appointed team manager and will receive Namibian National Colours, while national coach NGP Coelho has been recognised as part of Team Namibia.
By Rudi Bowe
