Windhoek: The Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) has withdrawn a junior cyclist from the national team set to represent the country at the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Road Cycling African Championships in Kenya, following a racially offensive incident.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 17-year-old cyclist, a learner at the Deutsche H¶here Privatschule (DHPS), was removed from the team after he and a friend from Windhoek Afrikaans Private School attended a Halloween party wearing blackface and displaying tags bearing a racial slur directed at Black people. The term, historically used to demean and dehumanise Black people during the colonial and apartheid eras, is considered deeply offensive.

In an interview with Nampa, NCF President Tauko Shilongo said the federation does not tolerate discriminatory or demeaning behaviour and decided to take firm action against the young cyclist. ‘He has been removed from the team. We do not condone derogatory actions or behaviour. We are in full support of unity in sport, regardless of racial background. Namibia is one nation that belongs to all, and we cannot be divided by colour or behaviour,’ Shilongo stated.

The CAC Road Cycling African Championships are scheduled to take place from 20 to 23 November 2025. Namibia had initially assembled a team comprising junior and senior riders, but with the cyclist involved in the incident being excluded and another cyclist being injured in a recent competition, the federation will now send only 10 riders. ‘At the moment, we have 10 riders. One of the girls was injured in a crash during a race in Johannesburg, and (the cyclist) was removed from the junior team. The competition will also feature elite riders,’ Shilongo added.

He emphasised that while the decision to exclude the cyclist was necessary, it does not mark the end of the young athlete’s cycling career. ‘He has been removed from the team, and that is the stance the federation has taken. We will also pursue further disciplinary measures. However, we believe he should be given an opportunity to learn from this incident through counselling and community service,’ Shilongo said.