The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS)successfully defended their MTC Namibia Netball League title yesterday at the Paresis Netball Court in Otjiwarongo, securing a hard-fought 34-27 victory over Otjozondjupa Nampol in their final match of the season.
With this win, the champions walked away with a well-deserved N$180 000 prize, capping off an intense season of competition.
NCS head coach Terry Ujama expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the season. “It was a splendid season. It had a lot of ups and downs. Firstly, a huge congratulations to all the teams. They did not make it easy for us, and in essence, that’s what to be expected from premier league teams. With that said, it makes the victory sweeter,” he said, praising the resilience of his squad and the level of competition they faced.
Rebekka Goagoses, president of Netball Namibia, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the excitement of the final day of matches. “The talent and fighting spirit were evident throughout.
The scores were narrow, with many close wins and losses,” she said. She also applauded Eastern Chiefs for avoiding relegation, meaning they will not head to the playoffs. “They managed to stay in the league, and their effort was remarkable,” she added.
However, two teams were not as fortunate. Tsumeb Netball Club and Young Stars have been relegated from the league. While Young Stars were already relegated before the finals, their final match against Afrocat was a spirited contest that left fans in awe. “Young Stars really gave Afrocat a run for their money. It was one of the best matches of the season – out of the box,” Goagoses remarked, noting how the league has produced a new crop of talent for Namibian netball. Meanwhile, UNAM Jaguars and Afrocat will face play-offs in mid-November against teams joining from the regional leagues to determine their future
in the league.
The Namibia Navy finished as the second runners-up, claiming N$120 000, while Mighty Gunners secured third place and took home N$60 000. Wanderers, finishing in fourth place, earned N$40 000 to round off the prize pool. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na
Well played… The Namibian Correctional Service defended their MTC Namibia Netball League title successfully.
Photo: Limba Mupetami