Sport Reporter
The highly anticipated Capricorn Group School Netball League is set to make its grand return this weekend at Wanderers Netball Court in the capital. The competition will run until 25 August.
This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a staggering total of 69 teams participating from eight different regions. These regions include Khomas, Hardap, //Kharas, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke, and Erongo.
The games will be held at various venues, namely Stampriet, Rehoboth, Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Swakopmund, and Windhoek. A total of 290 players will represent 24 schools across the country, consisting 13 private schools and 11 public schools.
During the official launch event yesterday, Marlize Horn, the brand and corporate affairs manager at Capricorn, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming league, anticipating the emergence of exceptional talent.
“We take great pride in our contribution to the promotion and development of netball in the country. By providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, we believe netball and sports in general help shape character, and instill teamwork, commitment, and the value of hard work. We are thrilled to launch the 2023 season and are equally delighted by the impressive number of teams participating in the league,” she said.
The tournament will feature teams competing across different age categories, ranging from U/12 to U/19, as they battle it out for top honours.
Round one is set to commence this weekend, followed by round two on 3 June, and round four on 29 and 30 July. The fifth round and the final will be played on 18 and 19 August and 25 and 26 August, respectively.
Rodger Kambatuku, the national coordinator of the Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU), also expressed his support for the event during the launch. He highlighted the positive impact of this initiative and sponsorship on the growth of sports, especially at the grassroots level.
Kambatuku emphasised the importance of training athletes from a young age and praised the league for providing a stepping stone for skills development, ultimately benefiting athletes as they progress.
“This initiative has come at the perfect time; it greatly aids in the development of sports at the grassroots level. We have been nurturing young athletes from an early age, and this competition serves as a crucial stepping stone to hone their skills at the right stage of their growth. Without a doubt, it will provide invaluable assistance to them,” he said.
Windhoek Gymnasium are the reigning champions.