Windhoek — All the speculation over the last couple of weeks as to whether former world acclaimed sprinter Frank Fredericks will be vying for the presidency of Athletics Namibia, has finally been confirmed.

It's a done deal - Fredericks is going to contest for the presidency and has already put his shoulder to the wheel in an effort to topple the long serving and often controversial athletics boss Alpha Kangueehi from the pedestal - come the 22nd of this month.

Fredericks came back home to be with his beloved mother and fellow Namibians after his illustrious international athletics career came to an end.

Having spent very little time in his native country because of the pressures of pursuing a professional career in athletics - he allowed himself the privilege of returning to normal life which he doubted he could have enjoyed elsewhere.

"I came home to be with my beloved mother whose love and selflessness was my inspiration. I started a family with my partner Jessica, and today I'm the proud father of two children, soon to turn six-years-old Saraya and three-year-old Jamie," said Fredericks.

Fredericks says it has pained him as a son of the soil to watch the vicious infighting in the athletics family and the said part of it is that the ongoing wrangles have brought the development of this particular discipline to a virtual standstill - thus denying many promising athletes the opportunity to pursue their careers in athletics.

"Sponsors are no longer willing to come on board and invitations from other countries are drying up. We can barely attract 100 spectators to an athletics meet these days and that demonstrates the sorry state of domestic athletics.

"My peers at home and abroad, fellow Namibians as well as those involved in sport, have been urging me to play a part in the development of Athletics Namibia and I can no longer resist these calls and have therefore decided to stand for the presidency of Athletics Namibia."

The modest Fredericks reiterated that his international prestige should not give him a free ticket to claim the presidency of Athletics Namibia and his motivation to contest the position was neither a denial of what others had achieved in athletics. He further applauded incumbent president Alpha Kangueehi for his bold step in taking athletics to the previously disadvantaged communities despite considerable challenges.

"The history of apartheid in Namibia still remains a legacy in Namibia. Unfortunately, this ugly practice persists because of those who resist change and equally because of those who fail to recognize the contribution of others," lamented Fredericks.

Fredericks says his mission is to forge unity and build on the efforts of those before him to improve the level of competition and encourage active participation in athletics - at competitive level from all sections of the Namibian society.

"My focus will be on increasing the opportunities for Namibian youth who have shown plenty of potential, by using my extensive local and international contacts to mobilize resources to enable the kids in Tsumke, Ongandjera, Uis, Ondobe, Hairaxabes, Aranos, Bagani and Bugalo to realize their dreams."

However, Fredericks believes he will not be able to achieve the set out objectives on his own and called for the support of the entire Namibian nation, specifically those who have a passion for athletics.

"I cannot remain relevant in the international athletics context should I fail to inspire others at home and create the opportunities for Namibia to establish herself as Kenya has done as a nation."

In conclusion, Fredericks refused to get himself involved in discrediting others as he believes he would need the support of others should he become the president of Athletics Namibia.

"I would need the support of each and everyone to build a sound foundation and return athletics to its former glory days, which will ultimately serve as a unifying factor in post-independent Namibia."

Fredericks is currently the patron of KAYEK, a vocational training institute, and has been using his precious time and own resources to ensure that more young Namibians are given the chance to gain skills and become successful entrepreneurs.

The eagerly awaited annual general meeting of Athletics Namibia will be held in Katima Mulilo on the 22nd of this month with eight regions eligible to vote.

Fredericks has been nominated by the Oshana Region and could also get massive support from the Khomas Region, which has initially nominated Mike Haimbondi for presidency. Haimbondi, a close ally of Kangueehi, declined the nomination - paving the way for a two-horse race between the streetwise and legendary Fredericks.