The FNB Insurance DTS Volleyball for All tournament showed tremendous growth in the sport, with various corporate entities participating this past Saturday at the DTS Sport Grounds in Windhoek.

The annual tournament, which featured 6-a-side and 4-a-side teams, saw 216 teams in total, with 192 teams participating in the 6-a-side on the grass and 24 teams playing the 4-a-side on the beach volleyball court, underscoring how fast-growing and popular the sport is becoming in the country. Litu Ndaedapo, captain of the first-place winners of the 6-a-side category, Juxta, said the tournament was well organised and that his team was prepared.

“From the get-go, we knew we were going to get gold, as the whole team was committed and prepared for any challenge,” expressed Ndaedapo.

The 4-a-side winners walked away with cash prizes: N$11 000 to the first-place winners, N$8 000 to second place, N$5 000 to third place, and N$3 500 to fourth place. The 6-a-side winners walked away with hamper prizes. Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) president, Tobias Mwatelulo, described the tournament as a great initiative for socialising, as it draws large numbers of people. “We have seen close to 5 000 people at the tournament. It is good for family bonding, employee bonding and especially for the sport code, because through this we also get new players in volleyball,” Mwatelulo said.

According to the NVF president, the tournament not only fosters bonding but also creates employment opportunities through volunteers and referees who take part, while also growing interest in the sport.

“Volleyball was a development sports code back then, but now it is placed as a practice sports code, second to becoming a national sports code in the category of soccer, netball and rugby. This means that there is growth and shows the magnitude.”

With the introduction of the MTC Volleyball National League, the Bank Windhoek NVF Cup, corporate leagues, and regional championships and leagues, there will almost always be a volleyball event taking place in the coming weeks and months. -hnalupe@nepc.com.na

4-a-side winners

1. RFP Goats

2. N/a’an kusê Tigers

3. Oshi Vibe

4. Control Alt Defeat

6-a-side winners

1. Juxta

2. Bank of Namibia

3. Nampro Eagles