Hilma Nalupe

In a major boost for netball in Namibia, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has announced that land has been allocated for the construction of indoor netball facilities in several regions. 

The development was revealed by Director Jo-Anne Manuel during the official welcoming of the national team, the Debmarine Desert Jewels, in Windhoek last week.

According to the Ministry’s executive director, Erastus Haitengela, the initiative forms part of government’s broader mandate to develop sport infrastructure and elevate local sports to international standards.

“This initiative forms part of our mandate to develop and promote sport in Namibia,” stated Haitengela. “The absence of proper indoor netball facilities in the country has limited our ability to host international competitions.”

Construction sites identified so far include the Windhoek Independence Stadium, Keetmanshoop Stadium, Swakopmund’s Vineta Stadium, and Oshakati Independence Stadium. 

A fifth site is still under review. The ministry will provide the land and cover basic utilities and security once the courts become operational. The design will accommodate multi-sport use beyond netball.

Netball Namibia will lead the implementation and has confirmed plans to use the new facilities for both elite and grassroots development.

“This investment marks a turning point for the sport in our country, thanks to the support of our stakeholders and the government. 

It will elevate the standard of play, inspire participation at all levels, and help us nurture homegrown talent,” said Sofia Simon, Secretary General of Netball Namibia.

Simon also confirmed efforts to ensure regional access and inclusion through a rotational usage plan and an upcoming partnership with the Namibia Schools Sports Union.

“The MoU will help create a pipeline from school teams to national representation. 

These venues will be critical for long-term athlete development.” 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com