Hilma Nalupe
Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ashley Linda moved to Cape Town at the age of six, where she began her schooling. Four years later, she relocated to Namibia and continued her education at Amazing Kids Private School and later at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS), where she completed high school.
Linda’s sporting journey did not begin on the basketball court. She initially played hockey until she broke her left arm, an injury that left her hesitant to return to the sport. Around the same time, her best friend, Leena Iilonga, introduced her to basketball, a suggestion she initially resisted, especially because her father was a basketball coach.
“At first, I did not like the idea of playing basketball because my father was involved,” she said. “But my best friend convinced me to try out at age 11, and I joined the U/12 B team. I gradually started liking it and improving in the sport,” she added.
Linda’s father, Melusi Linda, taught her the basics of basketball from a young age, although she admits she hated it at first because she didn’t understand the game. Over time, with guidance and patience from both her father and her coaches, her passion grew. Her high school team went on to dominate, winning the high school league seven years in a row.A pivotal moment in her development came after losing a match against Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School. “I realised I couldn’t play basketball five against one. It opened my eyes to see that basketball is a team sport. I have to play with my teammates, not on my own,” she reflected.
Her long-term goal has always been to play abroad. Between the ages of 12 and 14, she trained intensively to prove to her father that she could excel and to earn her place on the A team, something she eventually achieved.
One of her proudest achievements came when her Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) team, UNAM Phoenix, won their first championship. “We proved to the adults that youngsters can actually take charge and win,” she said.
Her toughest challenge so far has been competing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa qualifiers in Windhoek against Angola and Malawi. She believes the team’s limited exposure at that level made the tournament difficult.
“We were inexperienced and didn’t know what to expect. We had to adjust during the matches ,” she said, noting that the physical, back-to-back games provided invaluable experience.
Linda plays as a point guard, using her speed to create openings for her teammates or to act as a decoy. To prepare for matches, she listens to gospel music or chats with teammates to calm her nerves before the team gathers to chant and pray.
Having recently completed her Grade 12 examinations at DHPS, Linda also officiates matches for the KBA. Basketball runs deep in her family, both her parents and her grandmother played the sport. Although her father was initially reluctant for her to follow in his footsteps, he eventually recognised her potential as her skills improved. Most of LInda’s close friends are her teammates, sharing her hunger and ambition for the sport. “Basketball is a very fast game. You need to make quick decisions, just like in life. The difference is that in basketball, you have people to support you when making those choices, something you don’t always get in life,” she said.
Over the years, Linda has collected multiple Most Valuable Player awards, defensive trophies, All- Star honours, gold medals and several silver trophies. She believes basketball has played a significant role in shaping her character.
“Basketball is part of my life. It has taken me out of dark places, taught me discipline, guided me through challenges and helped me meet new people. It has taught me sacrifice and how to handle hard situations,” she said.
With her eyes set on playing at the highest level, Linda remains determined to reach the peak of what basketball has to offer. -hnalupe@nepc.com.na