The Namibian Basketball Masters were hosted over weekend and event organisers described the tournament as a resounding success.

Held at the Unam main campus in the capital, the tournament featured teams from various countries, including Namibia, Angola, and Mozambique.

Primarily catering to players over 30 years old who are still active, the event encompassed competitions across different categories.

This weekend marked the inaugural edition of the four scheduled events this year. Speaking to this publication after the award ceremony at Unam Gym Hall, Belmoro Quizola who was part of the organising team expressed satisfaction with the teams’ overall performance.

“This isn’t our first of the three to come, we organized similar events last year, and this year, the response has been just as impressive. Teams from Mozambique, Angola, and Namibia participated, and I must say, it was a resounding success. The level of commitment displayed by both male and female teams today is truly commendable. This tournament sets the tone for the remaining three editions this year,” he remarked.

In the over 30 male category, Prudencial claimed the gold medal, while Khomas Ballies secured gold in the over 40 male category. In the women’s category, Amiga de Maputo clinched gold in the over 40, with Prudencial taking the top spot in the over 30. Vivian Ramakhutla, the president of the Erongo Basketball Association, who also competed in one of the participating teams, commended the tournament organisers for providing a platform for retired players. He described it as an excellent opportunity to pass on knowledge to active players.

“The organisers deserve praise for putting together such a fantastic event. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Often, we find ourselves solely focused on administrative tasks and fundraising efforts, forgetting that we still have a passion for playing. It’s heartening to see an event that allows us to showcase our skills to the younger generation. Moreover, the interaction between seasoned players and newcomers is invaluable. The participation of teams from across borders added an extra layer of competition, making this a truly memorable tournament,” he said. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na