NUST Lecturer Takes a Shot at National Hockey Union Vice-Presidency
Eslon Ngeendepi, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), is the Vice-President of the Namibia Hockey Union. In this new role, he oversees sponsorship and marketing, bringing his expertise in strategic planning and promotion to the sport.
Born and raised in Tsumeb, Ngeendepi’s relationship with the sport spans more than two decades, having first played in 2002. “I spent a significant part of my childhood on a farm in Otjituuo where my grandmother raised me. I attended primary school in Tsumeb, Grootfontein and Otjituuo before completing high school at Duneside Private High School in Walvis Bay. That’s where my love for hockey began, as it was the only sport offered at the school. From that moment on, I never looked back,” he said.
Ngeendepi has since expanded his involvement in the sport over the years, taking on roles in coaching and administration. His commitment to NUST hockey has been unwavering since 2005, and over the years, he has witnessed the sport's development - both at the university and across the nation. It is deep-rooted passion and first-hand experience that fuel his desire to continue positively impacting the sport in Namibia.
Set to serve in the Vice-President position for a four-year term, Ngeendepi said his primary goal is to ensure hockey becomes truly reflective of Namibia’s rich diversity. “I aim to focus on the grassroots level to create opportunities for players from various backgrounds. Through strategic marketing, I hope to raise the sport’s profile, drawing in more players and securing vital sponsorships.”
He added that his election is deeply meaningful to him as it recognises not just his journey, but the collective contributions made by the NUST hockey community and the larger Namibian hockey family. “This is a supporting role, but one with significant influence in shaping the growth and development of the sport. Our presence needs to be seen and felt, and I am committed to driving that impact,” Ngeendepi said.
Q&A:
Q: How do you plan to juggle academia and this national responsibility?
A: It all comes down to effective time management, discipline, and passion. When you truly love what you do, you will always find the time and energy to excel. Planning ahead, staying organised, and knowing when to delegate are key strategies that will help me manage my workload efficiently.
Q: What drives you to success?
A: My drive comes from knowing my own potential and pushing myself to achieve more. I am passionate about excelling in everything I do and take pride in seeing how far I can go. On a personal level, I always strive for excellence and believe that if you’re going to do something, you should do it right the first time. Beyond personal ambition, I am also motivated by the desire to create opportunities for others, inspire those around me, and contribute to something greater than myself. Seeing progress - whether in my own journey or in the people I influence - keeps me going. Success, for me, is not just about personal achievements, but about making a lasting impact.
Q: What's your life motto?
A: Work hard, stay true to yourself, and create a life of comfort and fulfillment.
Q: What brings you joy off the field?
A: Beyond hockey, I enjoy gastronomy, reading, reality television, travelling, and staying informed about current affairs. I find joy in experiencing new cultures, expanding my knowledge, and unwinding with entertainment. Most importantly, I’m inspired by seeing others succeed. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness people reach their full potential.
Q: How do you see this national appointment within your future endeavours?
A: The future is always uncertain, but I remain optimistic and open to new opportunities. Ultimately, I would love to make a greater impact on Namibia’s sports landscape. Perhaps one day, I will have the opportunity to serve on the Namibia Sports Commission board or take on a leadership role that allows me to contribute to the broader development of sports in the country. My goal is to help create lasting change and ensure that Namibian sports continue to grow on both a national and international level.
