The defending champions of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League, the Mighty Gunners, returned to the top of the league over the weekend, while northern-based team Fatou Netball Club remains the only team in the league without a win.
Gunners played and won all three matches this past weekend in Otjiwarongo to go back on top of the league.
On Saturday, they played against Wanderers in a match they won 46-32, while on Sunday, they won their first match against Northern Fly Ballers, winning 54:28, before defeating coastal outfit Eleven Arrows 48:36.
Speaking to this publication, Desiree Namases from Gunners lauded the entire team for their fighting spirit in ensuring the team collected maximum points at home.
She added that despite the win, the team would have to remain focused as the league draws closer to its conclusion.
“Great teamwork this past weekend in Otjiwarongo; it wasn’t easy, but we managed to collect the much-needed points at home in Otjiwarongo. I would like to thank the team for a good display,” she said.
She urged the players to remain focused as the league approaches the final rounds.
“Things always get tricky in the league as each team is fighting for maximum points. I trust our players will put more focus on winning all remaining games to ensure our chances of retaining the league are up there,” she said.
On the other hand, Fatou, who gained promotion at the start of the season, have not yet registered any wins in their name, but their coach Gabriel Shigwedha has pinned the blame on a lack of players on the team. He added that most of their players who assisted them in gaining promotion are players who do not reside in the north.
“We haven’t won any games in the league because of a lack of quality players on the team, some of our key players are based in Windhoek and Walvis Bay, so when we train, not everyone is there, so the combination is always not right when we play, which is affecting us,” he added.
Full Weekend Results
Saturday, 22 July 2023
Otjozondjupa Nampol, 57:21 NC Eleven Arrows NC
Tigers NC 43:44 Rebels NC
Namibian Navy NC 51:33 Northern Fly Ballers NC
Mighty Gunners NC 46:32 Wanderers NC
Afrocat Lions NC 47:20 Rebels NC
Sunday 23, July 2023
Namibian Navy NC 34:32 Afrocat Lions NC
Mighty Gunners NC 54:28 Northern Fly Ballers NC
Mighty Gunners NC 48:36 Eleven Arrows NC
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na