Maqonda Ndlovu
Namibia’s Debmarine Desert Jewels bounced back from the defeat to Zambia by beating the host nation, Botswana, 42-39 in their third match of the Africa Netball Cup in Gaborone.
The Namibians led the first quarter 12-10 before Botswana reduced the gap by one point in the second quarter to 20-19.
Botswana then took the lead in the third quarter before Namibia sealed their victory in the fourth quarter by 42-39 to move to third place on the log.
Speaking to Netball Namibia after the match, Debmarine Desert Jewels head coach Julene Meyer said she was relieved because Botswana played excellent netball.
“They were very tough to beat tonight (Saturday), and the home crowd was behind them. We made silly mistakes, and we did not capitalise on our turnover, something we need to work on. I am very happy with the way the replacements brought in new energy,” she said.
She added that the replacements turned the momentum of the game and led the team to victory.
Meyer added that Monica Gamases got a cut above the eye, which the team doctor was going to look at on Saturday evening before the next match.
Reflecting on the upcoming matches, Meyer said the match against Eswatini was important for them to chase the goal difference.
“Eswatini averages 41 goals per game, so we have to be clinical against them. We should put up a huge score against them because the last game is between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Should Zambia beat Zimbabwe, it might be the goal difference that decides who goes to the final,” Meyer said.
She added the match last night was important for Namibia to stretch their goal difference to have any chance to play in the finals.
Zambia tops the log with six points from three matches, followed by Namibia who has six points from four matches.
Zimbabwe is third with four points from three matches.
Namibia’s results against Eswatini were not yet available last night at the time of going to print.
The Debmarine Desert Jewels will play their next match tomorrow or Tuesday, depending on the results of the matches played yesterday and today.
Caption: Netball –