Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and background? How did you first become interested in sports, specifically netball?
I grew up in a household of mostly girls. I was raised by my great-grandmother and aunt – may their souls rest in peace. It was not easy, but they made sure I had what I needed as a child.
Did you have any experience playing netball before transitioning into your current role with the Mighty Gunners Netball Club?
I think I was born a netball player because I played netball at the tender age of six at Rogate Primary School in Otjiwarongo. Oh, yes, I was a player myself before I joined management.
Were there any siblings or family members who also had a passion for netball or sports in general?
My beautiful mother was a netball player herself; she was the best. May her soul rest in eternal peace. I always cried whenever she would go to netball games and refuse to take me along. I watched her play, and that was my greatest motivation to get into netball.
What exactly is your role at the Mighty Gunners Netball Club, and how do you contribute to the team’s success?
I am currently the acting team manager, and I make sure all the administrative and players’ needs are met.
Navigating various roles within the club, what are some of the challenges you face, and how do you manage to overcome them?
I think the responsibilities that come with being part of the team are quite challenging – but at the same time, they build my character as a person. Luckily, we work together as a team. That helps to ensure everything is well.
Could you share your perspective on the current state of netball in Namibia?
At the moment, it’s moving, but I am not really satisfied because I feel so much needs to be done for netball to be on the same level as the other sports disciplines. If I have to talk about netball in Namibia, it hurts my heart. I just hope that very soon we will change before it’s too late; otherwise, we will disadvantage the upcoming young talents. So many talented netball players in remote areas are not given the opportunity.
You have been seen officiating football matches as well. Could you elaborate on your role as a match official and the qualifications you hold for this responsibility?
I joined the Namibia Football Association refereeing in February, and I am one of the match officials. I am currently the assistant referee and fourth official. All thanks to Mr Singeve Moses Sem, the only male Confederation of African Football instructor in the ministry of defence. He paved the way for me and encouraged me to take it up.
What are your thoughts on grassroots development programmes for netball in Namibia?
It is very important for grassroots development because from an earlier age, the girls can be taught how to play netball – and with this, we will have different age groups of netball players, be able to compete with other countries and have the best players in our national team as well.
Considering the facilities available for netball in the country, how do good facilities impact the performance of players and the growth of the sport?
It is very important because talent is nurtured at an early stage, and part of their development comes with having conducive facilities for them to thrive. If we can have proper facilities at least in every town, I am sure we will be headed in the right direction. Five years from now, we could be a force to be reckoned with in the region. But we have to address the issue of facilities and take it seriously.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years? What goals or accomplishments would you like to achieve personally and professionally?
Personally, my dream is to give my beautiful daughters the comfortable life I didn’t have to experience and be the best mother I can be to them. My dream is also to save up enough to erect a tombstone for my aunt and mother. Professionally, I would like to open a netball and refereeing academy to empower others.
In light of your instrumental role in the team’s success last season, what advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to make a difference in the sports industry?
In everyday life, one has to be disciplined. Players should start taking sports very seriously and abstain from factors that impact their lives negatively. Abstain from taking substances such as alcohol and drugs, be committed and persistent, and train on your own and not wait on the coaches.
In your opinion, how do camaraderie and teamwork within the Mighty Gunners Netball Club contribute to the team’s overall success and the players’ personal growth?
Being a team manager of a team that won the MTC NNPL season 2022 title undefeated was one of my greatest achievements, and officiating football games at the 2023 Defence Force Foundation is something not everyone gets the opportunity to do.
Reflecting on your journey so far, what advice would you give to young individuals who are looking to combine their passion for sports with their professional aspirations?
It is discipline, hard work, dedication, persistence and teamwork that keep us going.
They must abstain from bad activities and get more involved in sports.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na