WINDHOEK - Following damaging reports in the local media claiming alleged racism within Cricket Namibia, ranging from non-sanctioned selection of alleged non-Namibian cricketers to sidelining players of colour.

The Namibian Cricket Board stands accused of having selected non-Namibian cricketers in the recently-concluded International Cricket Council ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia, an exercise that has infuriated main sponsor MTC.
“In our 16 years of existence, we have always prided ourselves as a company that practices the highest standards of integrity and adheres to the calls of national unity, reconciliation, equal opportunity and equity,” the company said in a statement issued yesterday.
MTC condemns in the strongest of terms any form of racism, discrimination irrespective of creed, colour, gender or economic status – wherever it manifest itself.

“As a sponsor, we are disturbed by allegations of racism as reported in the media, and would like to reassure all stakeholders that MTC, internally has started the process of engaging various stakeholders with the intention to get to the bottom of these damaging allegations.”
"However, bearing in mind the content of the media in as far as the matter is concerned – MTC reserves its right to adjudge prematurely until it has satisfied itself with all content and relevant material evidence pertaining to the allegations to determine their validity and truthfulness.

To this end, MTC has heralded its own investigation and has already requested Cricket Namibia to submit reports to MTC. “We remain convinced that the custodian of sports – the Namibian Sports Commission (NSC) – will take the lead as the presiding body to pursue an independent investigation parallel to that of MTC and where necessary, MTC will be more than glad to cooperate with the NSC,” reads the statement by MTC.