The inaugural MTC National Volleyball League is set to kick off this weekend, with top teams from across the country engaging in fierce competition.
The league features eight teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, all vying for the major national title.
Earlier this year, the volleyball federation secured a three-year sponsorship deal worth N$3 million from telecommunications giant MTC.
Hilary Imbuwa, the president of the Namibia Volleyball Federation, highlighted the significance of the tournament in providing a platform for talent development.
He stressed the timely nature of the league, coinciding with the federation’s efforts to assemble a national team for various continental tournaments.
Imbuwa noted excitement among players and fans, underscoring the importance of the league in showcasing the growth of volleyball in Namibia.
“I believe the league has come at the right time, considering we haven’t had a national volleyball team in over 10 years. Having such a platform demonstrates the growth of the sport. I urge fans to come out in numbers support their favourite team as they are prepared to showcase the best volleyball,” he said.
Action will commence tomorrow at the Windhoek Showgrounds. In the men’s category at Court A, Namibian Defence Force Raptors (NDF-R) will open their league account against Unam Hard Hitters, followed by a match between Khomas Nampol Volleyball Club (KNVC) and Nampol Otjozondjupa Volleyball Club (NOVC).
Subsequent matches see Unam Hard Hitters facing Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility Volleyball Club (KCFVC), and Namibia Correctional Service Volleyball Club (NCS VC) taking on KNVC.
At Court B, KCFVC will clash with Coastal Warriors Volleyball Club (CWVC), while NCS VC will take on Calvary Eagles Sport Club (CESC). CWVC will later confront NDF-R, followed by NOVC playing against CESC to wrap up the day’s matches.
In the women’s category, KNVC will kick off their season against Ball Buster Volleyball Club, while Kudos Sport Club will challenge Six Stars Volleyball Club (SSVC).
Revival Volleyball Club (RVC) will face NOVC. Notable matches include a showdown between BBVC and SSVC, as well as KNVC’s encounter with KSC.
Paulus Kambonde, chairman of NCS volleyball team from Ondangwa, expressed his team’s readiness and eagerness on clinching the inaugural league title. “We’re thrilled to be part of this league, and we’re aiming to win all our weekend matches. However, our bigger goal this season is to clinch the inaugural league title,” he said.
Similarly, Gift Ausiku, chairman of Beaufort VC based in Rundu, conveyed his team’s enthusiasm and preparedness for the league, highlighting the positive atmosphere among players as they gear up for the upcoming matches. “This is the biggest event in volleyball, and we are fully-prepared for this encounter.
The players are happy, and the morale is high, and we are looking forward to the start of the league,” he said.
Caption
Volleyball jpg – Set off… The MTC National Volleyball League will commence this weekend at Windhoek Showgrounds.
Photo: Contributed