Renowned and highly respected sports medicine professional, Donatha Ngunovandu, continues her impactful service in the sports industry. Since joining in 2000, she has risen to become one of the nation’s leading sports medicine experts.
This week, Confidente had the opportunity to speak with Ngunovandu, who recently returned from Madrid, Spain. There, she attended the XXXII Isokinetic Medical Group Conference at the iconic Civitas Metropolitano Stadium from May 3rd to 5th.
The XXXII Isokinetic Medical Group Conference brought together medical personnel from across the globe under the theme of ‘Football Medicine’.
While primarily known as a football medic, Ngunovandu also extends her expertise to other sports such as rugby and hockey.
Her journey began in 2000 when she started working as a registered nurse in the Ministry of Health and Social Services for three years. Subsequently, she transitioned to the sports fraternity as a sports medic.
Born in Omaruru in 1968, Ngunovandu reflects on her entry into the field: “I joined the football industry in 2000 as a sports medic with the Namibia U-20 team. I established myself as one of the few female sports therapists in Namibia at that time, assisting both domestic and national teams with the rehabilitation and treatment of numerous football and sports-related injuries.”
Over the past 21 years, Ngunovandu has served football and sports in various capacities, including medic, sports medical specialist, sports medicine instructor, and Medical Health Practitioner. She is registered with all relevant legal and regulatory bodies in Namibia, the highest being the Namibia Health Council. Currently, she also serves as a member of the African Union Sports Medicine.
“Throughout the past 21 years, I have worked with the Namibian Football Association, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA, and all relevant sports bodies worldwide,” Ngunovandu stated.
She currently holds positions as a Confederation of African Football (CAF) COVID Officer and a CAF Instructor.
Ngunovandu has also played a vital role in the treatment of numerous former and current Brave Warriors players, including the current head coach, Collin Benjamin, captain Peter Shalulile, and many others.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring and witnessing the growth of many talented players, both on and off the field. Today, I am even prouder as some of these very athletes have come forward to sponsor my participation in this world-class conference. Their generous support serves as a powerful reminder that true success is a cyclical process where giving and receiving, mentoring and learning, are forever intertwined,” expressed Ngunovandu.
ACADEMIC AND SPORT QUALIFICATIONS
Ngunovandu earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science from the University of Namibia (UNAM) in 2000. Her qualifications also include a Diploma in Occupational Therapy from the University of Stellenbosch (2007), a Certificate in Pharmacotherapy from UNAM (2008), and a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine (July 2020), which she obtained with a score exceeding 90%.
Further qualifications under her belt include a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Certificate in Football Medicine (Cairo, Egypt, 2005), a CAF Medicine Course for Instructors (Botswana, 2006), a Certificate in Sports Medicine and Sports Physiotherapy (Beijing, China, 2008), another Certificate in Sports Medicine and Sports Physiotherapy (Beijing, China, 2008), a Certificate in Sports Medicine through the International Olympic Committee (Lagos, Nigeria, 2007), and a Certificate of Participation in the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sports (2011).
Upon her return from Madrid, Ngunovandu shared that she gained significant knowledge regarding the latest football medicines to be prescribed to footballers.
Her dedication and work as a sports medic have garnered both global and local recognition, evidenced by numerous awards.
In 2007, she received a Certificate of Participation from the Association of Olympic Sports Committee of Africa. In 2008, the Commonwealth Youth Games presented her with an Appreciation of Contribution Award for treating players as the Country Sports Physician for the youth games. In 2009, she received an award from the University Guest Sports Games – XXV University Belgrade – Serbia, and an award from the Namibia Sports Commission for her support and commitment to sports in Namibia.