WINDHOEK – After spending years entangled in self-inflicted obscurity, Namibia Netball (NN) is finally putting her ducks in the row.
The country’s netball governing body says it will leave no stone unturned in her pursuit to qualify for the next year’s Netball World Cup in Sidney, Australia, with preparations already in full swing.
Players and administrators are looking forward to competing in the African group qualifiers for the global showpiece, slated in neigbouring Botswana, which gets underway on the 14th of this month.
Namibia has been pitted alongside hosts Botswana, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya in her group with the top two nations earning qualification berths at the World Cup.
NN Public Relations Officer, Rebekka /Goagoses-Nekundi, says the team is in high spirits and raring to go. “We have not been part of the World Cup qualifiers for more than a decade but the rest of Africa will feel Namibia’s presence during the qualifiers.
The former Black Africa and national team goal-shooter adds that the best possible team has been selected for the qualifiers and is currently exposed to extensive training sessions with the players are expected to be in camp next Monday.
Although the players and technical team look forward to the qualifying tourney in Botswana, /Goagoses, appealed for funds and urged potential sponsors to come on board.
“Apart from the government and the National Sports Commission’s assistance, we have not been successful in sourcing or attracting sponsors in terms of financial assistance and material support for the team”.
She further expressed fear that failure to solicit sufficient sponsorship could derail NN’s participation. The girls are very motivated and excited to make Namibia proud in Botswana, and hopefully in Australia at the World Cup.
“The time is now for all stakeholders to show their support in the form of contributions be it material or financial assistance towards Namibia’s participation in the qualifying tourney.
Veteran international goal-shooter Toetsie Kambatuku, who plies her trade in the highly competitive British top tier division outfit, with Northumbria University in Newcastle, England, has also been included. The 16-member traveling entourage reads as follows:
Tusnelde Fillemon
Susan Van Zyl
Joeline Dunn
Eve Hamaalwa
Juane Jansen Van Vuuren
Schoerita Van Der Merwe
Vetarapi Ngapite
Vetjevera Kazonganga
Menette Muvangua
Toetsie Kambatuku
Twaneth Harases
Augusta Sethie
Melissa Neis
Delila Keja
Lyan Pura
Maretha Burger