Telecommunications’ giant MTC has announced a significant N$2.9 million sponsorship for the 2025 season of the MTC Netball Namibia (NN) Premier League, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the professionalisation of netball in the country.
MTC’s Tim Ekandjo revealed the funding at a recent event, noting the company’s total investment in sport has now reached nearly half-a-billion Namibian dollars.
“When we started this league, we committed to making it the first fully-professional league in Namibia. This season’s sponsorship marks a 110% increase over the past five years – rising from N$1.4 million in 2021 to N$2.9 million this year,” he said.
He added that MTC and NN have agreed on a three-year professionalisation strategy, which will be implemented immediately.
Central to this plan is the introduction of a basic salary for all league players, starting next season.
“We’re proud to welcome Afrocat, Unam, Cuca Tops and Extreme to the premier league. Our fans have been phenomenal. We urge them to continue supporting us in 2025. Let this be a season of passion, grace and relentless ambition on court,” Ekandjo enthused.
Rebecca Goagoses, former president of NN and acting president of Netball Africa, praised MTC’s support as “transformative”.
She said it has elevated the league’s quality and national reach.
“Teams are now better-prepared, players more motivated, and every match is a thrilling display of skill and determination. Netball has grown stronger across all 14 regions,” Goagoses said.
She encouraged clubs to join formal structures and urged talented players from remote areas to aim higher than bush tournaments – to represent their regions and, ultimately, the nation.
She highlighted the broader impact of netball.
“This is more than a game. It’s a pathway to livelihoods, careers and dignity. Many players have since found full-time employment with the Namibian Correctional Service, the Namibian Defence Force, Nampol, the Navy and other sectors,” Goagoses stated.
This year, the league has adopted a powerful social message, with acting NN president Juanita Witbeen announcing that the 2025 season is themed ‘Combating Gender-Based Violence’.
“We are using the platform of sport to raise awareness about this national crisis,” she added.
“Players will wear purple ribbons as a symbol of peace, courage, survival and honour, reminding us all of the urgent need to end violence,” Witbeen stated.
She said with a heartfelt call to action, “every week, we hear stories of women and children harmed. These are not statistics – they are our sisters, daughters and teammates. Sport teaches respect, strength and resilience. We must now use it as a tool for change”.
She urged Namibians to view the league not just as a contest of skill, but as a platform for advocacy and transformation.
“Every pass, goal and victory on the court must remind us of the power we hold to build a safer, more just Namibia,” Witbeen added.
The league is set to kick off on 31 May. New Era will livestream the matches.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na