Examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of Zambezi Region in Namibia

The purpose of this study was to examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of the Zambezi Region of Namibia. Quantitative methods were used to determine soccer players’ performance anxiety levels prior and during the game. A total of (n = 100) soccer players from Katima Mulilo Zambezi Football League playing for A and B divisions participated in the study. The participants were selected purposively based on a reason that they were soccer players either in A or B division of the league. Data were gathered using a self-filled information questionnaire forms created by the researcher. Data was analysed with a statistical software SPSS programme. Percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation numerical figures were used to interpret the results. The highest score of (M = 4.00 ± SD =.000) was recorded for item 11 to which soccer players indicated that they had high level of winning thoughts on their minds prior to the game to be played. The second highest score recorded was item 7 (M = 3.86 ± SD = .355) to which soccer players indicated that they feared their opponents and spectators prior to the game. The third highest score was recorded in item 1 with (M = 3.74 ± SD = .443) to which soccer players indicated they always had spent more time for physical preparation prior to the game. The five lowest scores were recorded in items 5, 8, 24, 25 and 31. The lowest score was recorded in item 25 with (M = 1.11 ± SD = .323) to which soccer players indicated that they often felt blurred vision prior to the game. The second lowest score was recorded in item 31 with (M = 1.20 ± SD = .406) to which players indicated that they often had poor concentration during the game. The third lowest scored was recorded in item 24 with (M = 1.34 ± SD = .482) to which players indicated that they often felt some form of dizziness prior to the game. Therefore this study concludes that performance anxiety is caused by fear of failure, negative thinking, low self-esteem, uncertainty, worry, and lack of motivation, inability to deal with difficulty, negative self-talk, self-evaluation, and overthinking.