As Max Heingo made his debut for Namibia at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, DP World’s Beyond Boundaries Initiative in Walvis Bay has quietly been strengthening community cricket and access for girls
A repurposed DP World shipping container delivered to Walvis Bay in 2024 stands as a local cricket hub. In 2025, DP World’s global Beyond Boundaries Initiative (BBI) supported 1,606 young cricketers with organised coaching, creating opportunities for young athletes in underserved communities to progress to regional and international competition.
The repurposed shipping container pavilion provides a safe and structured space for coaching, training and community engagement. With 250 cricket kits distributed locally, participation has grown rapidly and more players are progressing into regional and international structures.
Namibia, a nation of just over 3 million people, has competed in its fourth consecutive International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup — a remarkable achievement reflecting the country’s growing strength in the sport. DP World’s BBI programme is helping to build the grassroots foundations behind this progress by broadening participation and developing the next generation of national talent.
Eighteen-year-old fast bowler, Max Heingo, grew up in Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay, the same community where the BBI programme is running. He has emerged as one of Namibia’s brightest prospects, making his debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February.
Max Heingo said: “Growing up in Kuisebmund and playing on sandy streets, international cricket felt very far away. I always dreamed of representing Namibia, but making my international debut and being part of such a historic victory was beyond anything I imagined. When young players are given the chance to dream and the right support to grow, talent from communities like mine can compete with the very best in the world.”
The programme has also significantly widened access for girls, with 682 now enrolled in structured training programmes. Several have progressed into national selection pathways, including 11 girls selected as part of the preliminary group for the ICC U19 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier later this year.
Johan Muller, CEO of Cricket Namibia, said: “The Beyond Boundaries Initiative has strengthened our facilities in Walvis Bay and created more inclusive environments where young players can develop their skills and believe in what’s possible. Seeing athletes step into regional teams and onto the international stage shows what sustainable investment in grassroots cricket can achieve.”
Esha Mansingh, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, sub-Saharan Africa, DP World said: “At DP World, we connect markets and communities through trade, but our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. Through our global partnership with cricket and the BBI programme, we’re expanding access to the game and creating pathways for youth development. By making cricket more accessible in Namibia, we’re helping young people build confidence, develop talent and achieve their goals to compete at higher levels. Sport is more than a game; it unites communities and inspires the next generation and we’re proud to play a role in unlocking these opportunities in Africa.”
Key Statistics
- 1,606 children directly benefited in Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay in 2025
- 924 boys and 682 girls participating in structured programmes
- 6 boys progressed to regional age-group teams
- 11 girls selected for ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Qualifier preliminary squad (2026)
- One player selected for the National T20 Men’s World Cup squad