The Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), defending champions of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League (NNPL), solidified their position as league leaders this past weekend by overcoming their closest rivals.

NCS secured maximum points, defeating Mighty Gunners 47-27 on Saturday, followed by a hard-fought 41-39 victory against second-placed Namibia Navy. These wins placed NCS firmly at the top of the league with 36 points, with less than five matches remaining until the season concludes.

Speaking to this publication, NCS assistant coach Maria Kasopola expressed confidence in the team’s chances of retaining the title.

“I think it was very stressful before playing such crucial matches this weekend against Mighty Gunners and Navy, who are right behind us on the log. After this weekend, I believe we’ve positioned ourselves well to win the league,” she said.

“The league has become much tougher compared to previous seasons, but the players gave everything they had and secured all the points. Moving forward, we’ll continue to push ourselves to seal the title.”

NCS is currently followed by the Namibia Navy, which sits in second place with 32 points. Mighty Gunners hold third place with 25 points, while Wanderers are in fourth with 23 points.

Meanwhile, Namibia Navy head coach Uahena Kasume expressed disappointment with how his team performed over the weekend. 

“It wasn’t an easy weekend for us. Every match was tough, and we had control of our fate. Unfortunately, after losing to NCS, it became clear that we weren’t meant to win the league this season,” he said.

 “That’s the nature of sport. You get an opportunity, and if you don’t take advantage of it, things can go wrong. Now, we’re focusing on finishing the season in second place, as our hope of winning the title slipped after Sunday’s loss. Sunday’s game felt like a final, and the winner was destined to take the league.”

Weekend results 

Saturdays

Tigers NC 61–24 Tsumeb NC

Wanderers NC 35–34 Eastern Chiefs NC

Unam Jaguars NC 44–37 Otjozondjupa Nampol NC

Tsumeb NC 25–47 Unam Ogongo NC

Namibia Correctional Service NC 47–27 Mighty Gunners NC

Eastern Chiefs NC 47–26 Young Stars NC

Sunday

Namibian Navy NC 39–41 Namibia Correctional Service NC

Otjozondjupa Nampol NC 39–50 Tigers NC

Young Stars NC 34–57 Unam Jaguars NC

Unam Ogongo NC 40–40 Unam Jaguars NC

Tsumeb NC 15–74 Namibian Navy NC

Players of the Match (POTM):