LILONGWE – Namibia’s energetic and composed centre, Loide Hanyanya, known fondly as ‘Bokkie’ by teammates, delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, earning her the Player of the Match accolade during the Desert Jewels’ hard-fought 42-42 draw against Kenya at the Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Hanyanya’s impact was evident from the first whistle. Her control in the mid-court, swift decision-making, and tireless work rate kept Namibia competitive in a match that demanded high levels of discipline and physical strength.
Despite Kenya’s early dominance, Hanyanya’s influence grew as the game progressed, helping to shift momentum in favour of the Namibians. Reflecting on the match, Hanyanya emphasised the collective effort behind the team’s gritty display.
“It was a massive effort from the whole team and coaches. Defence and attack were solid and relentless despite the few errors. I am most touched by how we supported each other on that court and pushed through strongly until the end,” she said.
She added that receiving Player of the Match was an honour she credits to the entire squad. “I am grateful for the recognition, but I can proudly say it was the team effort that made the difference. Each game has been a challenge in its own right, showcasing our growth, teamwork, and determination. I feel proud of how far we’ve come as a team and even more so with our management being our backbone,” she said.
The match itself was evidence of Namibia’s fighting spirit. Kenya started strongly, taking the first quarter 13-7 and extending their lead to 23-15 by halftime. The physicality of the contest intensified in the third quarter, but the Desert Jewels responded with renewed purpose and tactical sharpness.
Through composed passing, tighter defensive pressure, and improved shooting accuracy, Namibia clawed their way back to narrow the deficit to 33-30 heading into the final quarter.
In the closing minutes, the encounter became a battle of nerves. Kenya attempted to pull away, but Namibia remained resolute, matching their opponents’ goal for goal.
Their structured defending, coupled with well-timed interceptions, allowed them to force the match into a 42-42 stalemate at the final whistle.
The team was scheduled to face Uganda at 16h00 yesterday in their final group-stage match.