The Desert Jewels of Namibia are preparing for an action-packed international tour that will see them compete in the upcoming Celtic Cup in Scotland and the Netball Africa Cup in Malawi.
The second edition of the Celtic Cup will take place from 26 to 30 November at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
Namibia will compete alongside Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Zimbabwe and Uganda in what promises to be a high-level display of international netball.
Following the event in Scotland, the team will travel to Blantyre, Malawi, for the Africa Netball Cup, which runs from 8 to 15 December.
Participating nations include hosts Malawi, Namibia, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Head coach Julene Meyer expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent training camp, describing the players’ progress as remarkable. “The camp focused on skills development and specialisation.
Improvement from day one to day seven was impressive. We still have work to do in terms of conditioning, as facing top 10 nations requires a higher level of preparation,” she said.
Meyer added that the squad will continue training three times a week before entering pre-departure camp on 14 November, ahead of their flight on the 20th.
“We’ve relocated most players to Windhoek so they can train together. The next few weeks will focus on system refinement and strategic analysis of our opponents,” she explained.
With several new and young players in the squad, Meyer said early warm-up matches in Scotland will provide crucial exposure.
“It will be the first time many of our players face top 10 nations. We expect tough tests, but this experience will help us grow and prepare for future competitions like the Commonwealth Games and World Cup qualifiers,” she noted.
She stressed the importance of maintaining focus and drive.
“We shouldn’t be complacent after our United Arab Emirates Cup success. We must keep challenging ourselves and continue to push towards excellence,” Meyer said.
Netball Namibia vice president Connie Samaria encouraged the team, saying the entire netball community supports them.
“You carry the pride, hope and spirit of Namibia. Talent brought you here, but discipline and teamwork will take you further. Play with courage, unity and belief,” he urged.
Netball Scotland CEO Ken Hay welcomed the international participation, highlighting the event’s growing diversity.
“We’re thrilled to host teams from across the continents. The inclusion of three African nations alongside the Celtic sides makes this year’s Celtic Cup a true intercontinental contest,” he said.
Here are the names of the selected Namibian players:
Here are the names of the selected Namibian players:
Goal shooters:
Louise Kausehue
Loide Kanyolo
Uendjisuvera Kangumine
Mirjam Johannes
Elisia Hambongo
Rejoice Kambonge
Midcourt players:
Mendjipe Kaveako
Anna Shipanga
Loide Hanyanya
Imbeleni Frans
Monica Gomases
Defenders:
Grace Matyayi
Melitta Hunga
Cornelia Mupenda
Monique Basson
Reserves:
Tilie Kamati
Hope Kazondovi
Hileni Thomas