Windhoek
Beach volleyball has been a spectator attraction at the quadrennial Olympic Summer Games ever since its maiden edition at the largest sporting event in 1996, that sees on average more than 10 000 people flocking to the sporting arenas ever since.
Now, for the first time in its 26-year-old history, Namibian aces are just one step away from representing their native country on the famous Copacabana beach strip in Rio de Janeiro.
A city renowned for tons of beach volleyball and beach football action throughout the year, Namibians are holding their breath ahead of the final hurdle to overcome in the final stages of the African qualifiers slated for the 13th to 18th of next month in Nigeria.
Rubbing shoulders with hosts Nigeria and other African powerhouses that include Egypt and Rwanda, the Namibian team, comprising of the combination of Julia Laggner and Kim Seebach, as well as the pairing of Rosi Hennes and Stephanie Palmhert, will have to win the event if they are to book their ticket for Brazil.
However, the dream of qualifying comes with a price. “We are urgently looking for private sponsors to help finance our plans,” said national coach James Verrinder.
The lack of finances has cast dark clouds over Namibia’s participation as flights, accommodation and preparation funds need to be acquired as soon as possible in order to compete.
But despite the hiccups, the two teams have been hard at work ever since last year.
After pushing through the 2nd qualification round in Egypt, both pairs have been training five times a week on court while specialized conditioning training at FX Fitness and nutrition gifted the determined ladies a kind of cutting edge.
“We worked mainly on improving our partnerships. A big focus was also placed on attacking the ball, and the serve and receive also received some attention,” Verrinder explained.
“There has been a dramatic improvement since then,” continued the British national.
In an ideal scenario, Laggner, who has been residing in Germany for the upcoming Smart Beach Tour, will meet her partner Seebach in Berlin on March 19 or 20 for final preparations.
Hennes, Palmhert and coach Verrinder are planning to join their fellow team mates in Berlin shortly before departing for Nigeria for several indoor sessions in the German capital city.
As it stands, an hour in the state-of-the-art facilities cost up to 40 euro a piece.
All together twelve African nations have been invited to the continental showdown.
The format of play is yet to be decided but it is most likely that two groups of six teams each will be formed.
In the group stage, the two teams of each country face off against each other in four games.
Therefore, one nation needs three wins for a win. In case of a stalemate, a golden set decides the winner.
Interested sponsors are urged to get in contact with James Verrinder as soon as possible at j.verrinder@gmail.com or 081 4554571.