The MTC Netball Namibia Premier League (NNPL) will return this weekend, with several fixtures lined up for Saturday and Sunday.
Games will commence on Saturday at 08h00, with Tigers squaring off against Tsumeb in a match expected to bring fireworks to the field.
Following that, newly promoted sides, Wanderers, will face Eastern Chiefs at 09h30 before Unam Jaguars take on Otjozondjupa Nampol at 11h00.
At 12h30, Tsumeb will return to the court to face Unam Ogongo, while defending champions Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) will clash with bitter rivals and former champions, Mighty Gunners.
Eastern Chiefs will then be tested at 15h30 when they take on Young Stars.
Erica van Zyl, the coach of Wanderers, said they expect a tough showing over the weekend, but remained confident in their abilities.
“We practise twice a week, and it has worked well for us. Heading into the weekend, we’re playing a tough opponent in Eastern Chiefs, and we expect a tight game against them.
But we have trained enough, and are ready. We want to shift our strategy from attacking to defending when we lose the ball, which I believe will work in our favour,” she said.
Wanderers are currently third on the log.
Van Zyl said they aim to finish in the top five at the end of the season.
“We have occupied the third spot on the log, and hope to maintain a strong run in the league by collecting maximum points over the weekend.”
On Sunday, action will continue at 08h00 with a blockbuster match between log leaders NCS and Namibia Navy, which could potentially determine who wins the league this season.
This will be followed by a match between Otjozondjupa Nampol and Tigers, scheduled for 09h30.
Young Stars will take to the court at 11h00 to battle host team Mighty Gunners, who are likely to capitalise on their home turf advantage.
At 12h30, the two University of Namibia (Unam) teams will go head-to-head as Unam Jaguars square off against Unam Ogongo.
The day will conclude with a match between Tsumeb and Namibia Navy, slated for 14h00.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na