Loide Hanyana is known as one of the hardest-working players in the Desert Jewels’ squad. Despite being considered one of the smaller players in the team, she embodies the saying, “dynamite comes in small packages,” as she consistently delivers powerful performances on the court.
New Era (NE) had the chance to sit down with the talented athlete (LH), who also plies her trade for Tigers in the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League for a one-on-one interview to discuss her journey, motivations and experiences as a key player on the Namibian netball team.
NE: How was the Africa Netball Cup in your view, and what could you guys have done differently?
LH: Overall, we had a great tournament, and played our hearts out. We played to compete, and that’s exactly what we did. I love how we played as a team and a unit, and we finished even stronger than expected. There’s always room for improvement, but I think our unity and determination stood out. We gave it our all, and that’s all that matters.
NE: What motivates you to keep pushing yourself during tough games and training sessions?
LH: It all comes down to trusting the process. By that, I mean trusting the training, and trusting our coaches. We were fortunate enough to have recovery snacks and ice baths that helped us recover faster after every training session and game. When I am on that court, I give everything because I am representing my country, and that’s what keeps me motivated. There’s no “I” on the court – it’s all about the team. That’s why when we take to the court, we need to be mentally prepared. We do a lot of positive self-talk, and some of us even sing to get ourselves into the game.
NE: How do you balance your personal life, work, or studies with the demands of playing netball?
LH: Honestly, I am still trying to figure out how I manage to balance it all. But all I can say is that you need to be hardworking, passionate and disciplined to make it work. Finding the right balance is difficult, but with determination, it’s possible.
NE: What has been your proudest moment on the court so far?
LH: Playing until the final whistle without giving up has been the best part of it all. It’s the moments where we show resilience, even when things get tough.
NE: What challenges have you faced in your netball career, and how have you overcome them?
LH: We have been fortunate enough to be sponsored by Debmarine Namibia, and having them on board is truly a blessing. They provide us with everything we need to succeed – from training gear to shoes, bags and dresses. Their generous sponsorship ensures that we are fully-equipped and ready for every tournament. Their support has been crucial in ensuring we are always prepared to compete at the highest level.
NE: How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big match?
LH: I sing a lot to lift up my spirits, joke around with teammates, and sometimes a little motivation from them is all you need to make your day. Let me not forget how much our coaches and the rest of the management team believe in us, and that belief gives us even more confidence as we approach a game.
NE: What advice would you give to young players aspiring to succeed in netball?
LH: You have what it takes – you just have to believe in yourself. The more you practice, the better your game becomes. Stay dedicated, and always remember that hard work pays off. Keep improving every day, and trust that with perseverance, you’ll reach your goals.