It’s derby weekend, and fans expect thrills and spills as top-flight netball clubs prepare for back-to-back clashes in round 5 and 6 of the MTC Namibia Netball Premier League. 

Afrocat Lions coach Dimitri Bitler said his team is eager to bounce back after a week of disrupted training due to school holidays. With several yound players now back in the squad, the team is fully focused on securing much-needed points to climb out of the relegation zone.

“This weekend is massive for us. We’ve regained momentum, and the players know exactly what’s at stake. Facing Khomas-based rivals is never easy – it’s always a battle. But we’ve prepared well and are determined to make this an impactful weekend,” said Bitler. Afrocat Lions have a tough schedule, going up against Unam Jaguars, Wanderers, and Tigers in what promises to be an intense round of fixtures.

Tigers coach Viva Kamberipa is also preparing his charges for the weekend marathon. He emphasised the importance of mental strength and teamwork.

“We’ll take it one game at a time. Managing players carefully is key, but ultimately, sticking to our game plan quarter by quarter will carry us through. It’s all in the mind – we need to start strong and finish stronger,” Kamberipa said.

Unam Jaguars head coach Augusta Mbai echoed similar sentiments, saying fans can expect fast and exciting netball despite the team’s recent training challenges.

“The Region 5 Games affected our preparations because both Unam campuses were used as athlete villages, so we struggled to find training venues. But since the conclusion of the games, we’ve resumed practice and are happy with how things are going. We’re excited to be back on court and will give it our all this weekend,” said Mbai.

The Unam Ogongo head coach, Taapopi Sakupaula, says his players are fully prepared and eager to defend their top spot in the league standings.

“The team is in camp, training hard both mentally and physically for the upcoming derby against Extreme. The players are focused, committed, and ready to give their best. We’re looking forward to maintaining our position at the top of the log,” said Sakupaula.

Meanwhile, netball official Bradley Geigub has urged players to be knowledgeable about the rules of the game and to uphold fair play during matches. He also called on fans to come out in large numbers to cheer their favourite clubs.

With bragging rights, vital points, and league positions at stake, this derby weekend promises to deliver thrilling encounters and memorable moments for netball fans. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na

Fixtures 

Saturday

Wanderers vs Tigers 12h00 at Khomasdal Netball Court

Unam Jaguars vs Afrocat Lions 15h00 Khomasdal Netball Court 

Wanderers vs Namibia Correctional Service 16h30 Khomasdal Netball Court 

Otjozondjupa Nampol vs Mighty Gunners 15h00 Paresis Stadium

Extreme vs Unam Ogongo 15h00 at Paresis Stadium 

Cuca Tops vs Eastern Chiefs 15h00 at Unam Ogongo Campus

Sunday

Unam Jaguars vs Tigers 12h00 at at Khomasdal Netball Court 

Afrocat Lions vs Wanderers 13h30 at at Khomasdal Netball Court 

Namibia Correctional Service vs Unam Jaguars 15h00 at Khomasdal Netball Court 

Tigers vs Afrocat Lions 17h00 at Khomasdal Netball Court