The defending champions, Mighty Gunners Netball Club, have a chance to return to the top of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League (NNPL) this weekend if they win all three of their matches as the league continues in rounds five and six of the second leg. 

Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, Desiree Namases of Mighty Gunners said last week’s loss was quite disappointing. 

She remained adamant that this weekend would be different, as they hoped to pick up points. 

This weekend’s exciting matches are lined up for Saturday and Sunday at Vooruti Primary School in Otjiwarongo. 

Currently, Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) is topping the log with 26 points in 15 matches, followed by Namibia Navy with 24 points, and Otjozondjupa Nampol in third position, also tied on 24 points, while Gunners are in fourth with 22 points. 

Gunners lost crucial points last weekend when they faced their close rivals, NCS, but this weekend they will be hoping to redeem themselves by getting back to winning ways in order to reclaim top position. 

They will play three matches with the hope of using home ground advantage. 

On Saturday, they face the high-flying Wanderers, who are fifth in the standings with 22 points, before clashing with the 10th-placed Northern Fly Ballers on Sunday. 

They will conclude their weekend fixture with a match against coastal outfit Eleven Arrows, who are eighth on the log with 10 points. 

Namases remained adamant that this weekend would be different, as they hope to pick up points. 

“Last week’s performance was not what we wanted, but we will ensure that this weekend we go all out and pick up maximum points. I believe the team is ready, as we had a great week of training and checked all the mistakes we made, and we hope to have a great weekend,” she said. 

In other fixtures this weekend, Tigers will square off against Rebels in the first match of the day, followed by a match between the Navy and Northern Fly Ballers. Afrocat Lions will then take to the courts as they lock horns with Rebels in the second last match of the day, with Otjozondjupa Nampol and Elven Arrows concluding the proceedings of the day. 

On Sunday, games will continue with exciting matches lined up at the same venue as Mighty Gunners and Northern Fly Ballers open up the proceedings, followed by a match between Namibia Navy and Afrocat Lions at 10h00. Wrapping up the day will be the match between Gunners against Eleven Arrows. 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na