After 23 thrilling rounds of action, the curtain came down on the 2025 MTC Netball Namibia Premier League on Saturday at the Khomasdal Stadium courts, with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) once again emerging the champions.
The defending champions lived up to expectations, showcasing their dominance and consistency throughout the season to successfully retain their title and walk away with the top prize of N$180 000.
Runners-up Otjozondjupa Nampol finished the season in strong form, earning N$120 000, while Unam Ogongo claimed third position and walked away with N$60 000.
Afrocat Lions finished fourth and pocketed N$40 000 for their efforts.
In the individual awards category, Isadore Nel of Tigers was named Best Team Manager, while Namibian Correctional Service’s Monique Basson walked away with the Best Defender accolade.
The Best Mid-Court Player award went to Martha Shaampeni, with Foxy Pura, also from NCS, recognised as the Best Shooter. The Player of the Season honours went to Melitta Hunga from Eastern Chiefs.
Speaking after the final whistle, NCS head coach Teri Tuare said defending the title was not easy.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy. We had an unbeaten streak, and every team wanted to take it from us. It’s a happy feeling for all of us.
We will make a few adjustments for next season, but for now, we are proud and grateful. I also want to congratulate the runners-up. It was a long season, and we deserve a well-earned rest,” Tuare said.
Otjozondjupa Nampol’s head coach, Marvelous Khaebes, said finishing second was bittersweet but remained proud of her team’s progress. “Coming second is a bitter pill to swallow, but I’m very proud of my players. NCS is experienced and capitalised on our mistakes.
I have a lot of development players, and I plan to continue working with them so that they are ready for next season,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cuca Tops and Unam Jaguars were relegated from the top-flight league. Cuca Tops coach Edeltraud Mupiri, who took charge of the team for only three weekends, described the experience as challenging but rewarding.
“When I joined, I found a team that was down, but they showed great spirit and managed to draw two matches.
It was a big lesson for us. As players, fitness is key, and on the court, you must not let the umpires’ decisions demoralise you. We had a very young squad, our youngest player is only 14 years old and if I had the team earlier, I believe we could have done better.
We will now go back, restructure and come back stronger. However, retaining players will be tough because other clubs are already making offers.
We must find ways to keep our talent,” Mupiri said.
In the final round of matches, Afrocat Lions narrowly lost 38-36 to Unam Ogongo, with Julia Valombola of Afrocat Lions named Player of the Match. Extreme Eagles edged Wanderers 46-45 in a thrilling encounter, with Rejoice Kambonge delivering a match-winning performance.
NCS overpowered Cuca Tops 68-16, with Monique Basson the Player of the Match. Otjozondjupa Nampol cruised to a 55-35 victory over Namibian Navy, where Rosalia Nanghonda stood out as Player of the Match.
Elsewhere, Afrocat Lions beat Extreme Eagles 38-32, and goal attack Uazikama Karumendu claimed her first-ever Player of the Match award. Unam Jaguars defeated Namibian Navy 42-35, with Grace Matyayi taking home the Player of the Match accolade.
Tigers overcame Mighty Gunners 44-37, with Hileni Thomas shining brightest, while Wanderers sealed a 50-35 win over Cuca Tops, with Victoria Jasson named Player of the Match.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na