Rounds 18 and 19 of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League concluded successfully over the weekend in blistering heat, delivering thrilling encounters as the season heads into its final stretch.
Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) kicked off Round 18 with a commanding 38-21 victory over Afrocat Lions.
Monique Basson was named Player of the Match.
After the win, team stalwart Imbileni Frans reflected on the challenges of being defending champions.
“Being defending champions is hard. Teams come to us hard, but we try to stay composed. Fatigue is kicking in, but we try to rotate players for different matches. We have brought together so many supporters over the years. We thank them for their constant support. We continue to urge everyone to fill the court as we gear up for the finale,” Frans said.
Elsewhere, Mighty Gunners NC fell 30-39 to Otjozondjupa Nampol NC at Mokati Stadium, with Otjozondjupa’s Ndeshafela scooping the Player of the Match award, presented by Colonel Erastus Kuume, 4 Artilery Brigade Deputy Commander.
NCS continued their fine form, registering a 36-24 victory over Tigers.
Martha Shaambeni stood out with an impressive performance, earning Player of the Match.
In another close contest, Mighty Gunners went down 50-52 against the Namibian Navy, with Navy’s Lili Nghilenga walking away with top honours.
Unam Ogongo edged Extreme Eagles 40-36, though the Player of the Match accolade went to Extreme Eagles’ Usuta Muvangua.
Cuca Tops, meanwhile, lost 26-30 to Eastern Chiefs, with Melita Hunga of the Chiefs claiming the individual award.
Round 19 produced equally intense battles.
Tigers defeated Wanderers 38-34 at Khomasdal Stadium, with goalkeeper Alicia Tjerere recognised as Player of the Match.
In another narrow fixture, Unam Jaguars went down 35-37 against Wanderers, with Vendjihonga Katjaimo of the Jaguars claiming Player of the Match.
Afrocat Lions capped off the weekend with a hard-fought win over Tigers, with Venyekerera Maharero named Player of the Match.
With just two weekends of action remaining, teams now travel to Divundu for Rounds 20 and 21 before the league wraps up in Windhoek the following weekend.