Larushka Kruger targets a new era for Namibian tennis through ICECP

Larushka Kruger has been selected for the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme, giving the Namibian tennis coach an opportunity to help shape the sport’s next phase in her country. She is the only Namibian chosen for the programme, which is supported by Olympic Solidarity.

The programme combines online study, residential coursework and an international coaching apprenticeship. Kruger intends to use the experience to improve her coaching methods, with particular attention to athlete development. She is also eager to learn by working alongside an experienced coach during the international placement.

Kruger’s move into coaching followed an injury in 2023 that stopped her from pursuing college tennis in the United States after completing school. She had started playing at nine, entered Namibia Tennis Association competitions by 11 and later represented Namibia internationally. The injury changed her route in tennis but did not take her away from the sport.

Her approach to coaching has been influenced by Charlton Diergaardt, who coached her as a player. Kruger wants to develop athletes who are not only capable on court but also respectful, helpful to others and committed to good sportsmanship. She sees the ICECP as a way to gain international expertise while applying it to tennis development at home.

Kruger identifies cost as one of Namibia’s main barriers. Tennis remains too expensive for many children, while the absence of a structured coaching education system has left schools struggling to find qualified coaches. She wants to restart the Katutura Tennis Academy and build links with the Bernhard Nordkamp Centre and Special Olympics so that more children in Katutura can access the sport.

Four of her Katutura-based players recently won medals at a junior tournament, reinforcing her belief that talent exists despite difficult circumstances. Her wider plan is to help players receive financial assistance for international tours and to create development programmes around Namibia that can find talent currently being missed. Kruger’s stated ambition is to make tennis flourish nationally and begin what she considers a new era for the sport.