Kavetja Ngaizuvare 

Teams from Namibia, Angola, South Africa, Botswana and Germany gathered for the exciting DTS Liqui Fruit International Beach Volleyball Tournament at the DTS Beach Volleyball Arena in Windhoek over the weekend. 

There were 40 teams comprising 16 men’s teams, 11 women’s teams, seven U/19 boys’ and six U/19 girls’ teams. 

Kicking off Friday at 16h00 and continuing bright and early on Saturday, the tournament showcased high-level matches in both competitive and social categories. 

Thanks to Liqui Fruit’s generous N$15 000 prize sponsorship, teams had more than just pride to play for. Entry fees were N$200 for 2-a-side teams and N$400 for 4-a-side social teams, drawing a diverse mix of athletes. 

Germany’s top four junior national teams raised the tournament’s profile. 

As part of a sports exchange, they also ran coaching clinics and used the event to sharpen their skills for the European season. 

The action on the sand was intense, but it was the stories behind the wins that stood out. U/19 champions Tumeretino Leberek and AfroCats Sports Lab claimed victory with back-to-back wins. 

“We’ve worked for this every day. To win here, at home, means everything,” said Leberek. 

For German visitor Bjarne Evalo, the tournament was about more than just results: “Facing African teams was a new challenge. We’re taking back more than just volleyball experience, we are taking home a new perspective,” he said. 

After a tough match, Namibian player Lea Kumi Nangobe remained hopeful, “Not disappointed, just motivated. 

We will come back stronger,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Rosie Hannes and Ruth Hoffman lit up the court with a 21-7 win, advancing to the finals. “We’re beyond excited,” said Hannes. “Our teamwork really clicked today,” she said. 

Final results 

U/19 Boys 

Tumeretino Leberek & Willem Shikongo 

Juri & Mischa von Wentzel 

Roman Dainat & Leo Kesselmann 

U/19 Girls 

Isabel von Wietersheim & Nora Rogl 

Paula Ritzer & Clara van Heerden 

Lilli Marschall & Stella Hamm 

Senior Women 

Almut Hoffmann & Rosi Hennes 

Kristin Gloeditzsch & Teja Lueck 

Romy & Piroschka Lueck 

Senior Men 

Tristan Froebe & Tamu Wuest (GER) 

Ole Sackermann & Julian Hikel (GER) 

Eduardo Muondo & Carlos Afonso (ANG) 

-klngaizuvare@icloud.com