Netball Namibia (NN) president Juanita Witbeen says the upcoming Power Week in the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League is aimed at improving local players’ performance standards and preparing them for the demands of international competition.
Speaking ahead of the event, Witbeen explained that the initiative is designed to expose players to a high-performance environment in which they must compete consistently over several days, similar to what they experience at regional and international tournaments.
“We want to teach players to perform at a high-performance level. Normally, when we go out to compete internationally, we play matches on consecutive days, sometimes for three to five days in a row. This is the kind of environment we want our players to get used to,” she said.
According to Witbeen, the Power Week is part of Netball Namibia’s broader strategy to change the narrative surrounding Namibian players’ performances when competing abroad. She stressed that endurance, recovery, consistency and mental strength are all critical aspects that local athletes must develop if they are to compete effectively on bigger stages.
The week-long competition will also test squad depth and adaptability among clubs, while giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate players under pressure and demanding schedules.
Witbeen added that several players, many of whom are teachers by profession, have been granted leave to participate in the event. Public holidays will also be utilised to ensure that all scheduled fixtures are completed successfully.
The event is scheduled to take place from 23 to 31 May at The Dome in Swakopmund.
The tournament is expected to attract some of the country’s top netball talent, with clubs battling for crucial league points in what promises to be an intense and physically demanding week of competition.