WINDHOEK – Reports from Glasgow, United Kingdom are that the Namibian
youth netball touring team to Scotland has adapted well to local conditions and are highly charged up to vigorously start their assault on the World Youth Netball Championships.
The youthful Namibian outfit knuckled down to some serious business and found themselves on the winning side via a warm-up match against Malta – coming out tops from the encounter with an impressive score of 60 baskets to 21.
The team was due to wrap up their preparations with another friendly game against the much stronger Wales team late yesterday afternoon, before the official opening ceremony of the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow.
Namibia, one of only two representatives from the African continent alongside sister country South Africa, has been pitted against reigning champions Australia, in a strong 5-team group also featuring South Africa, Israel and Fiji.
Coach Emsie Esterhuizen is upbeat about Namibia’s chances and reckons the girls will be up to the task at hand when they confront Fiji in their opening match later today, with their penultimate clash against defending champions Australia.
“So far so good, the spirit is very high in the camp and the players are itching to announce their arrival on the international arena with a good showing on foreign soil. Obviously, it’s going to be a tough ride against formidable opponents but I’m sure we will leave a mark in the tournament and hopefully gain the much needed experience for future international participation.”
Some of Namibia’s leading netball umpires form part of the traveling entourage to Scotland and are attending the International Umpires and Coaches Seminar. They are: Anita Ndjaranguru, Natasha Thakur, Koekie Katjiuongua, Mansie Tjivera and Emsie Esterhuizen, who doubles up as head coach.
By Carlos Kambaekwa