By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK
Black Africa’s dominance in domestic netball appears to have no bounds after “Auntie Ricky’s Babes” easily waltzed past their opponents to win the Khomas Region Netball League pipe opener at the Khomasdal Stadium netball courts on
Saturday.
The reigning Khomas League champions defeated all four of their opposition in the first tier division of the two-day round robin tournament that saw the red and black stripped outfit finishing undefeated.
In their last match, Black Africa saw off a gutsy youthful Wanderers outfit in an exciting encounter that had the appreciative crowd on the edge of their seats with action swinging from end to end.
Veteran goal attacker Rebecca Goagoses-Ouses was the architect behind Africa’s win with some accurate shooting after a shaky start that saw her hitting the target only once from five attempts.
Her partner Tokee Ndjavera did fare better as well and but missed several goal attempts from close range while Wanderers fully utilized the few chances that came their way.
Africa led by 6 goals to 1 in the first half with Goagoses-Ouses contributing the lion’s share to the goal margin.
The former national team player finally found her shooting instincts in the second half and never put a foot wrong as she poked every available ball from acute angles – much to the delight of her seemingly weary team mates.
And though the white maries managed five goals in the last quarter –
it was not enough as Africa ran out well deserved winners by 11 goals 6 – leaving Civics to pick up the pieces for the runner-up spot with the new-look United trailing in third place.
Unam won the second division, followed by Black Africa and Tigers in second and third places respectively.
The exciting Kalahari Sands outfit took top honours in Division C with MTC in 2nd place while Unam’s second strings had to be satisfied with the bronze medal.
United is the only team to have a representative in each of the three categories at stake, while Bethlehem United fielded the most number of teams in the two-day tourney with two representatives in the B-Division and one in the third division.
The tournament served as a springboard for the selectors to run an eye over players to be selected for the annual Southern Region tournament in Stellenbosch, Cape Town in June.
A provisional squad has been selected and the following players must report for a training session at the Khomasdal Stadium netball courts tomorrow afternoon at 18h00. All the selected players are requested to bring along their identity documents and passports.
– The provisional Khomas League Under-21 Squad:
Patricia Kapose – Namibia Diamond Trading Company
Delilah Keja – Bethlehem United
Charlotte Tjahikika – Bethlehem United
Pumbiri Else Kakujaha – Unam
Uatjiua Uetuzembunikisa – Unam
Ilyn Tjirombora – Kalahari Sands
Esna van Zyl – United
E Tjituka – Polytechnic
Haneli Aucamp – United
– Khomas Provisional Senior Squad:
Alta Venter – United
Lynette Kozosi – Unam
Joeline Dunn – Wanderers
Izani Magel – Wanderers
Uauanisa “Uau” Kariahuua
Lizelle Bock – Beth-lehem United
Christiana Tjindjo – Civics
Jatjinda “Toetsie” Kambatuku – Civics
Ivonne Kotjipati – Black Africa
Erenfriede Uahongora – Black Africa
Susanna Tjivera – Black Africa
Jolande “Perii” Kaumbi – Civics
Rebecca Goagoses-Ouses – Black Africa
Bernadetta Swartz – United
Ashanti Manetti – United
Poiko – Tigers
Gleneth – Tigers
Lindi – Civics
Meanwhile, the Khomas Netball League is to hold a Fundraising Breakfast at the Safari Court on the 17th of next month. The prices for the tables range from N$250 per person to N$2 500 per table of ten people, while a couple can fork out N$500 for the eatery.
Contact details: I.R. Nell @ 081 122 2278; A. de Jager 081 124 8410.