Netball Namibia received a massive shot in the arm in the form of N$3.2 million from Debmarine Namibia yesterday.
The sponsorship comes shortly before the senior national side, Desert Jewels, depart for Malawi to compete in a Tri-Nations tournament against the host and Zimbabwe from 12 to 16 June.
A national U/19 team will also compete in the tournament against their peers from Malawi and Zimbabwe in preparation for the Region 5 Games later this year, also set for Malawi.
The sponsorship announcement was made yesterday during the two teams’ official send-off ceremony at the Namibia Sports Commission.
The money will assist the teams to keep active by organising friendly matches and taking part in continental and international-ranking games.
It will also cater for flight tickets, meals, accommodation and uniforms for the travelling teams to compete in the Tri-Nations.
Speaking at the event, Debmarine communication manager Stella Ipinge commended Netball Namibia (NN) for its dedication to developing local netball talent.
She was also pleased that the national team continuously improves in each and every game they compete in.
“The success of Netball Namibia has been felt by everyone. The team has been consistently showing up and improving in all tournaments and friendly games they have hosted or competed in the past five years,” said Ipinge.
“Not only that; we have observed NN’s consistent dedication in developing local talent in Namibia through the hosting of the Debmarine Namibia Senior Regional Championship, training of umpires while also strengthening regional netball bodies of which we are pride to have supported,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, NN secretary general Imelda Nerongo said it is an important trip for the team as they continue with their quest to qualify for next year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
The all-important Africa World Cup qualifiers are slated for August.
“It’s an important tournament for us, because this will put us in a place where we will know where we stand as a team. We will compete with these teams during the African qualifiers and to have an opportunity to play against them now, will definitely show us where we stand,” she said.
Desert Jewels head coach Sunette Burden said the upcoming tournament will provide much-needed game time and equally serve as a great opportunity to prepare well ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na