Namibia’s national women’s netball team, the Debmarine Desert Jewels, departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday.

They will participate in the inaugural UAE Netball Tournament, scheduled to take place from 15 to 21 June in Dubai.

The tournament will feature six national teams, host UAE, Namibia, USA, Republic of Ireland (ROI), Singapore and Kenya. 

This competition forms part of the official World Netball ranking calendar, meaning that each match will contribute to the team’s global rankings. 

At a send-off ceremony in Windhoek on Tuesday, the coach of the team, Julene Meyer said their rival will most probably be ROI but that they are going all out to take gold. 

Team captain Anna Kaspar, speaking at the send-off, thanked Namibians for their unwavering support. She urged her teammates to remain focused and motivated throughout the week-long event.

“To our supporters family, friends and the nation at large, thank you for believing in us day and night. The girls have given it their all from the first day of training. 

To the newcomers making their debut: go out there, and do your best. We are ready, and we are aiming for gold,” Kaspar said.

Tournament fixtures 

Saturday, 15 June

opening day

Opening Ceremony – 11h00

UAE vs USA – 13h00

Republic of Ireland vs Singapore – 15h30

Namibia vs Kenya – 18h00

Sunday, 16 June

ROI vs USA – 13h00

Singapore vs Kenya – 15h30

UAE vs Namibia – 18h00

Tuesday, 18 June

Kenya vs USA – 13h00

Singapore vs Namibia – 15h30

UAE vs ROI – 18h00

Thursday, 20 June

Namibia vs ROI – 13h00

USA vs Singapore – 15h30

UAE vs Kenya – 18h00

Friday, 21 June

USA vs Namibia – 12h00

Kenya vs ROI – 14h30

UAE vs Singapore – 17h00

Saturday, 22 June

final day

5th/6th Place Playoff – 11h00

Bronze Medal Match – 13h30

Gold Medal Match – 16h00

Closing Ceremony – 17h30