New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC) has formalised a landmark partnership with Netball Namibia (NN), marking a significant step forward in the promotion and coverage of the sport across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, NEPC chief executive officer Christof Maletsky praised the impact of sponsors MTC’s involvement in the sport, noting how the sponsorship will revitalize netball in Namibia.
The telecommunications company has been the main sponsor for the league – the MTC Netball Premier League for a number of years.
“Besides getting netball back on track, the sponsorship has made players and coaches more employable. We are now joining a capable team to offer our expertise and with our reach of over 860 000 local and global audience, we will enhance the marketing of the league. Our goal is to bring back more crowds and encourage more corporates to invest in netball.”
Maletsky emphasised that this partnership goes beyond branding. “This is not a marketing gimmick for NEPC. We genuinely believe that netball can return to the World Cup stage, as it did under the Association of Netball in Namibia. NN is a well-organised body and the premier league is a strong competition that has produced players now competing beyond our borders.”
He also highlighted the sport’s developmental role. “Netball impacts girls at multiple levels through regional netball associations and associate members. NN is instrumental in managing player pathways, and in developing coaches and umpires.”
Recalling the sport’s rich history, Maletsky said: “Namibia took part in the first Netball World Cup in 1991 under the leadership of sports icon and former minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero. In 2013, the U/21 team participated in the 7th World Youth Championships in Glasgow, finishing 11th. And who can forget the 1995 squad that competed in Birmingham, England, with names like Christine Moeder Gontes, Annie Mosiane Kalomo, Helen Ouvrou Oliphant, Hilma Nicanor Nicodemus, Kapena Tjihero Tjombonde, Mildred Olivier, and Emsie Esterhuizen?” He expressed appreciation to former NN president Rebekka Goagoses for her openness to discussions during the last league games in Otjiwarongo and the Africa Cup in Swakopmund. Maletsky also thanked Freddy Mwiya, Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, for his support, and acknowledged NN secretary-general Sofia Simon for her commitment in making the partnership a reality.
“We also thank the NEPC board and management for backing this initiative,” he added.
NN vice-president Connie Samaria expressed excitement, saying the partnership will ease operational burdens.
“We’re relieved that the cost of commentators will now be covered. They play a key role in creating hype for the league. Print media exposure is costly, but with this deal, weekend analyses and fixtures will now be featured, keeping the country informed in a timely manner. We are excited about the visibility our players and teams will gain. It’s not easy to secure strategic partnerships – especially when potential sponsors are unsure of the value they’ll get in return.”
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na