The National Netball Team of Namibia, known as the Debmarine Desert Jewels, left for Botswana yesterday morning to participate in the Africa Netball Cup, slated to take place in Gaborone from November 28 to 6 December 2023.
In a statement seen by this publication, the team has been in camp for several weeks preparing for the tournament, left by road to represent Namibia on the continental stage.
The Africa Netball Cup is a prestigious annual tournament that sees national teams from various countries vying for continental supremacy.
The statement added that this competition holds significant weight as it provides nations with a chance to elevate their rankings and secure opportunities to participate in global tournaments such as the Netball World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Netball Namibia acknowledges the gravity of the Africa Netball Cup and views this tournament as a crucial opportunity to not only enhance their rankings but also to qualify for major international competitions, the statement added.
“The team’s dedication and hard work during the preparatory camp reflect their commitment to making Namibia proud on the African netball stage. This tournament marks the first international competition for the national team this year, and Netball Namibia underscores its importance in elevating Namibian netball and showcasing the country’s prowess in the sport. The competition is not only a platform for athletic excellence but also an avenue for fostering national pride,” the statement continued.
Netball Namibia president Rebekka Goagoses expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and emphasised the significance of this competition for Namibia.
“The Africa Netball Cup is a momentous occasion for our national team, and we are determined to make Namibia proud. Our players and coaches have put in tremendous effort, and we believe they will showcase the best of Namibian netball on the continental stage,” she stated.
“Our team is well-prepared, focused, and ready to compete at the highest level. We carry the hopes and aspirations of Namibians with us, and we are committed to giving our all in Botswana,” she said.
Goagoses also extended the association’s gratitude to the Namibian government for its unwavering support. “The commitment and resources provided by the government, through the ministry of sports, have played a pivotal role in the team’s preparation and journey to Botswana.
Without this support, the national team would not have been able to undergo the necessary training and make the crucial trip to represent Namibia in Botswana.
“Additionally, Netball Namibia acknowledges and extends sincere thanks to Debmarine Namibia for their generous support. Their contribution has been instrumental in ensuring that the team is adequately prepared for the Africa Netball Cup. Debmarine Namibia’s commitment to the development of sports in the country, particularly in supporting netball, is commendable. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the government of Namibia and Debmarine Namibia for their invaluable support. Their commitment has been a driving force behind our team’s preparation and journey to Botswana. Their investment in Namibian netball is a testament to the shared vision of promoting excellence and national pride through sports,” she said.
The Namibian entourage comprises the following:
Head of delegation
Rebekka Goagoses, Netball Namibia president
Players
Cornelia Mupenda, Loide Hanyanya, Louise Kausehue, Anna Kasper, Monica Gomases, Tilie Nelao Kamati, Uendjisuvera Kangumine, Sunshine Murangi, Venjekerera Maharero, Zante Farmer, Anna Shipanga, Desdemona Uahongora and Selma Bittler
Technical team
Julene Meyer – (head coach), Dorette Badenhorst – (specialist coach), Dr Maria Mulunga – (team doctor), Malan Elago – (team manager), Charles Namaseb – (strength and conditioning coach) and Seu Pully Gowases – (technical director).