An unforgettable week awaits as the Namibian women’s and men’s netball teams prepare for the highly anticipated Africa Netball Cup, scheduled for 9 to 14 December at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. 

This prestigious competition will feature nine women’s teams, including the host nation Namibia, alongside Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The women’s team will be led by captain Julene Meyer.

In 2019, Namibia successfully hosted the Africa Cup, which was dominated by the South African women’s team. However, that year, no male teams participated.  This year marks a new chapter for Namibian netball, as the country is now in compliance with World Netball’s requirements. For the first time, a Namibian men’s team will compete in the Africa Cup. While this is a historic moment for the country, the men’s team faces significant challenges as netball for men is well-established in other countries, where there are running leagues and tournaments.

The seven men’s teams set to compete are Namibia, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, Burundi withdrew from the tournament this week. Salomon Tuaire has been appointed the coach of the national men’s team. He brings a wealth of experience, having demonstrated his coaching prowess with the Namibia Correctional Service team in the MTC Namibia Women’s Premier League, leading them to their third title in four years this past September.

President of Netball Namibia Rebekka Goagoses shared that this tournament will be a significant and memorable event, inviting all to witness it. “To our visitors, we welcome you to where the desert meets the ocean,” she said. “Get ready, and let’s give our opponents remarkable action.” 

President of Netball Africa Cecilia Molokwane, also expressed her gratitude to all those who made the tournament possible, encouraging netball fans to come in large numbers to support the athletes. Tickets are available at Webtickets.

The Namibia women’s netball team squad:Melitta Hunga, Rejoice Kambonge, Anna Kaspar, Mwale Mulenamswe, Foxy Pura, Dreamy Kausehua, Elisha Hambongo, Myriam Johannes, Fenny Paauli, Monique Basson, Imbileni Frans, Zanté Farmer, Kuzouee Mberiuana, Grace Matjayi and Monica Gomases.

The Namibia men’s netball team squad:Valentino Tujendapi, Kotjii Kavari, Hannes von Wielligh, Conzalez Louis, Suratiaan Khakisi, Rivaldo Omeb, Inselly Oxurub, Bradley Geigub, Immanuel /Uirab, Frank Makaya. Front from left: Devian Goagoseb, Lorenzo Davids, Nguvitjita Tjikungu, Zachary Philander, Leonard Somseb and Telwin Tjiuongua. – lmupetami@nepc.com.na