Desert Jewels head coach Julene Meyer is confident that yesterday’s hard-fought 43-42 win over Zambia will serve as the perfect tonic as they head into their final African Netball Championship clash against South Africa today at the Wanderers indoor courts.

The Desert Jewels, as Namibia’s senior netball side is ardently known, had to fight their way back into the match after falling behind in the first two opening quarters, as the Zambians won the first quarter 16-10 and the second quarter 24-21.

A candid and deeply introspective pep talk from coach Meyer saw the Desert Jewels slowly starting to find their rhythm and connecting some decent passes in the centre, forcing a 35-35 stalemate in the third quarter.

The Namibians kept coming forward with great physical play, which was for the better part of the final quarter complemented by superb ball-handling skills and reduced errors in front of goal. Their momentum paid off as they romped to a well-deserved win over Zambia, whom they also beat 53-34 in the Debmarine Pent Series earlier this month.

Meyer expressed excitement with her girls’ much-improved performance against a tough and highly ranked side like Zambia, saying their fighting spirit and attitude saw them to victory.

“I’m just happy that this time around we ended on the perfect side of the scoreboard. Our initial game plan was to cover their space and cut their overall drive short, but I noticed that we struggled a bit to execute that plan. We also didn’t play as I wanted in the middle but overall, I am happy with how the girls responded and fought until the very end. We won it by the skin of our teeth, but I’m happy,” said Meyer.

She said the Zambia win will serve as the perfect morale booster going into today’s last African Netball Championship against South Africa, saying they will be well prepared for whatever the South Africans will be throwing at them. 

“This win will be a great motivation against South Africa tomorrow (today).” 

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na