Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Phoenixes and Afrocat won the women’s and men’s competitions of Bank Windhoek’s Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) Cup on Sunday at Swakopmund in the Erongo region.
The competition saw thrilling encounters, where 26 teams from various parts of the country participated, of which 12 were women and 14 men’s teams.
On their way to victory, the NDF Phoenixes ladies overcame Nakapele from the north 3-0 in the first semifinal encounter, and booked their place in the final. The second semifinal game was between the University of Namibia (Unam) Queens against Vixens, with the latter winning it easily by a 3-0 scoreline to meet Phoenixes in the final. The NDF Phoenixes were crowned the NVF champions after beating the most feared Unam Queens 3-1 in the final.
Besides the trophy and medals, the Phoenixes pocketed a cash prize of N$20 000 for their achievement, whereas Unam took home N$15 000 and silver medals as runners-up.
In the third-place playoffs, the Vixens defeated Nakapele 3-1 to claim the bronze medal and N$10 000 cash, while Nakapele was awarded N$5 000 cash for the fourth place.
Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, the Afrocat showed power and stunned Nampower 3-0 in the first semifinal, while Mighty Gunners crushed Brutal Pact 3-0 in the second semifinal to play Afrocat in the final.
The Afrocat men then won the competition after defeating the Gunners by a 3 -1 scoreline in a highly-competitive final.
The champion walked away with a trophy, medals and a cash prize of N$20 000, while the Gunners took home N$15 000 and silver medals as runners-up.
Eddy Uyepa, the head coach of NDF Phoenixes, said he is happy for the victory, as he contested against a strong and well-organised opponent.
He said the strategies and tactics his team used resulted in victory.
Phoenixes’ utility player Dina Kasheeta said her team needed to win this cup,considering their preparation time.
She noted that winning the competition is a motivation for the team to qualify for the Zone 6 club championship to be held in Botswana.
Afrocat head coach Vayakohambo Aloisius Ishitile said winning the competition is the biggest achievement.
“We formed this team in the year 2021, but we never won anything. This will motivate us for future games and tournaments,” he remarked.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com