Chairperson of the Capricorn Group Schools Netball League Liezel Garbers yesterday said teams showed great performances over the weekend, but players need more practice.
She was speaking after the relaunch of the popular schools netball league, which saw more than 10 matches played at the Windhoek Gymnasium courts on Friday.
The league makes a comeback after it could not take place in 2020 due to restrictions on sport when Covid-19 struck.
Garbers told New Era Sport some schools lacked fitness and are still trying to get their groove back.
“It is obvious that some schools did not practice and compete for the past two years during Covid, while other schools just continued where they left off. However, it was a huge success overall, and I am grateful that we are able to play again,” she said.
A total of 16 schools and 47 teams, with around 450 players, ranging from U/12 to U/19, will partake in the competition, which will run until August this year.
The playoffs are scheduled for 19 and 20 August in Windhoek.
Games will be played in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo.
The league carries the official endorsement of the Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU), and it is the official national schools league for netball in Namibia.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, NSSU national coordinator Solly Duiker said commended the initiative, saying it gives children the opportunity to showcase their talent, which helps them realise their dreams.
“A good initiative by the Capricorn Group. This is something that we want to see happening at grassroots level. This kind of initiative helps unearth talent as well as realise dreams. There will be a lot of students who will come out as top-class netball players when the league will conclude, so we wish them all the best,” Duiker said.
Also speaking at the launch, Capricorn Group executive Marlize Horn emphasised the group’s stance on supporting sports codes in Namibia.
“Our focus as Capricorn Group is to be connectors of positive change – and by sponsoring this national netball league, we provide a platform for netball teams from across Namibia to compete on a national level. This ensures that netball, as a school sport, continues to grow and develop,” she said.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na