Local netball sensation and a former 2019 Miss Namibia contestant, Mulenamaswe is absolutely hooked on the sport. New Era Sports caught up with the vibrant player, who defends the colours of the Namibian Correctional Service, to dive into her journey, aspirations and the quirks that make her tick on and off the court.
What inspired you to start playing netball, and how did you get into the sport?
Picture this, I am a fourth grader, at a new school, and my nerves running high, then comes sports day. We were all required to show up in our sporty gear. There were a variety of sports to choose from – and guess what caught my eye? Netball! I jumped in, and I’ve been stuck in this beautiful web ever since.
What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My initial position was goalkeeper, but I’ve become quite smitten with goal defence. Now, I am slowly transitioning to wing defence, and who knows? Centre might be my next conquest. I relish the challenge each position brings, and I am always game to tackle whatever comes my way.
What has been the most memorable moment in your netball career so far?
I qualified for the U/17 national team back in 2013, and I’ll never forget the roar of netball fans from my village in the Zambezi region. They celebrated so loudly. It felt like the entire region was cheering for me. That day is etched in my memory like it happened yesterday.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your netball journey?
“My father. Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you the same. He’s the best dad in the entire universe.
How do you balance your training and playing commitments with other aspects of your life?
Everything falls into place with time management. Training and games have their designated slots – and when I am off duty, that’s when I attend to the other pieces of my life.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
We hit the court from Monday to Friday – 14h00 to 16h30. Each day gets its own flavour – fitness drills, ball work, trying out new combinations, and some solid team
building. We like to keep things spicy.
How do you mentally prepare for a big match or tournament?
Music is my go-to, but I also have a chat with a close friend or my coach, especially when nerves kick in. If I am feeling jittery, they help me chill out. I also keep my teammates in the loop so they can boost me when my spirits dip.
What specific drills or exercises do you focus on to improve your performance?
Suicide sprints and focus exercises are my bread and butter. Before a match, we dive into team drills – they’re crucial because they give us a sneak peek at how we might perform as a unit when it’s game time. We live by the mantra ‘The way you train is the way you play’.
How do you recover, and stay in top form after a tough game?
Recovery milk is my best friend. I also make sure to do some proper stretching and foam rolling.
How do you handle pressure during high-stakes moments in a match?
In netball, composure is key. It’s a skill you must master because there are so many variables – teammates, opponents and umpires. When the pressure mounts, I take a deep breath, go back to the basics and focus on our target: winning. Everything else? Doesn’t matter.
What do you think is the most important skill for a netball player to master?
Team dynamics. Without it, you’re just a bunch of people running around.
How do you build chemistry with your teammates on and off the court?
We’re all on the same page when it comes to our roles in the team. We have each other’s backs, no matter what – whether we’re on the court or off.
How do you handle conflicts or challenges within the team?
Communication and transparency are the pillars of our team. We play a team sport, so if conflicts go unresolved or challenges aren’t addressed, it affects our happiness and results. That’s definitely not what we’re aiming for.
How do you see the sport of netball evolving in the next few years?
With big organisations in Namibia investing in netball, the future looks bright for the girl child. I am also a part-time coach at Tanshi Netball Academy, where we’re nurturing girls across all age groups to sharpen their netball skills.
What are your long-term goals in netball?
One of my dreams was to play for the national senior team – check! Now, I am just excited to see what’s next. I can’t imagine playing any other sport. People have tried to sway me towards basketball or volleyball because of my height, but netball? That’s my jam – any day, anytime and anywhere.
What advice would you give to young aspiring netball players?
If netball is what you want, go for it. Tell your family to get you some netball shoes, and just start playing.”
Fun quiz:
Favourite drink: Coca-Cola Vanilla
Favourite food: Any of the KFC New Allstars
Favourite travel destination: I would love to visit Jamaica
If you are a sports personality, and would like to be profiled, please contact lmupetami@nepc.com.na