Fredericks lends a helping hand to Namibia

World Cup minnows Namibia have been receiving a helping hand from fellow countryman and top-class sprinter Frankie Fredericks. Namibia opener Jan-Berry Burger said the former 200 metres world champion had visited the players to advise them on how to handle themselves on the world stage. “He met us and had a chat,” Burger said on Saturday.

“Frankie told us how to handle pressure situations, even how to tackle the media. He is among the best athletes in the world. He has been doing this for so many years now.”

Namibia face India in a Group A match at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Sunday. They lost their opening games to test sides Zimbabwe, Pakistan and England but have put in some creditable performances, in particular in dismissing England for 272 and making 217 for nine in reply, with Burger making 85. On Sunday, they take on the Indians who have been struggling with their form so far.