The MTC Netball Namibia Premier League delivered another weekend of electrifying action in sweltering heat at the Paresis netball courts in Otjiwarongo.
The teams clashed in rounds 14 and 15, with a series of close encounters, standout individual performances, and dramatic finishes to keep the fans entertained.
Saturday began with a nail-biting 46-all draw between Extreme Eagles NC and Namibian Navy.
Navy’s Rejoice Kambonge was voted Player of the Match for her decisive defensive work that helped salvage the draw.
In another heated fixture, Otjozondjupa Nampol displayed dominance to defeat Unam Jaguars 42-27. Nampol’s rising star, Uendjisuvera Kangumine, earned her first Player of the Match award for an outstanding display.
The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) demonstrated its experience when it brushed aside Mighty Gunners 51-33, with Ntombana Kabende of Gunners standing tall despite her team’s loss.
Later in the day, Tigers proved too strong for Navy, securing a 55-41 victory. Navy’s Victoria Shiwedha, however, impressed and was rewarded with the Player of the Match award for her spirited performance.
The clash between Eastern Chiefs and Wanderers had the crowd on their feet, with Chiefs narrowly edging Wanderers 31-28. Despite the loss, Wanderers’ Gillian Naris walked away with the Player of the Match award.
Elsewhere, Mighty Gunners bounced back to beat Cuca Tops 49-44, with Ntombana Kabende collecting her second player accolade of the weekend.
In a tight contest, the Eastern Chiefs managed to pull off a 32-31 win against the Extreme Eagles, thanks to Melitta Hunga, whose performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
The day concluded with Unam Ogongo defeating Cuca Tops 36-30. Despite her side’s defeat, Sara Nghishifelwa of Cuca Tops claimed the Player of the Match recognition.
Sunday continued with high intensity matches as Namibian Navy bounced back to register a resounding 65-37 win over Cuca Tops, with Shiwedha once again shining and taking home the individual accolade.
Mighty Gunners followed up with another strong performance, beating Eastern Chiefs 44-40. This time, Else Kavandara of the Gunners was the standout performer.
Otjozondjupa Nampol pulled off a surprise 35-29 victory over Tigers, with Tigers’ Maria Malima rewarded for her exceptional play.
The battle between Eastern Chiefs and Namibian Navy ended in a 37-32 win for Chiefs, led by the tireless Adeline Mayira, who was rewarded with the top player award.
In a varsity derby, Unam Ogongo overcame Unam Jaguars 30-25. Despite the loss, Jaguars’ Grace Matyayi earned the Player of the Match award after an inspiring display.
The final scheduled clash saw the NCS awarded the points as Navy failed to honour the fixture because the team played four fixtures over the weekend, as they missed matches in Ongwediva in rounds 12 and 13, and had to catch up; however, most players picked up injuries, and the team made a call to miss their fifth fixture.
This move closed off an action-packed weekend of netball.
Head coach of Otjozontjupa, Marvellous Khaebes, said they are taking everything game by game. “We just continue working hard and taking it one match at a time. Everything else will fall into place,” she added.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na