The Namibia Schools’ Sport Union (NSSU) netball chairperson, Eben Ambondo, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the two girls’ teams at the recently concluded Telkom All-Ages Netball Tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.

Namibia sent the U/17 and U/18 teams to the youth tournament, from 7 to 11 July. More than 40 schools from South Africa, along with the invitational Namibian teams, took part in the highly competitive event.

The U/17 team achieved a significant ranking of 12th overall out of about 20 schools in their division but the U/18 team finished last in their 20-team division. Despite the differing team results, Ambondo said the real value lay not in the rankings, but in the invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent and learn.

“While we often focus on results, we sometimes overlook the crucial opportunity provided to us,” Ambondo stated. “Through this opportunity, these girls learnt so much from their South African counterparts. South Africa has a much larger netball scene than ours, and for us to be given the chance to compete there is huge. It means the girls were exposed to many things they aren’t exposed to back home.”

She added: “South Africa has standard courts, training grounds, and facilities overall. That in itself can simply change someone’s perspective. I’m sure there were plenty of players who felt motivated to compete at the highest level if the opportunity arises,” she added. 

Meanwhile, NSSU national coordinator, Rodger Kambatuku, applauded the team for the commendable showing at the tournament. 

“It’s sport, and we have to learn from every challenge we encounter in our lives,” he said. “I believe it’s the same for the girls; this was just a learning curve. Once they get a similar opportunity, they will do better and bring home a medal or two,” he added. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na