Heavy scorelines mark Khomas League opener

Fans at the Khomas Netball League opening weekend were treated to several heavy scorelines at the Wanderers Sports Grounds in Pioneerspark last Saturday.

The biggest of them all came in the premier Super 10 division, where newly promoted United B suffered an 80-8 defeat to the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) in their first taste of top-flight competition.

United B head coach Eve Kamutushi admitted it is not the result one would want to start the season with, but took the loss in stride.

“It was very hard for us [out on the court], as it’s the first time this team is playing together. We have a lot of new players who joined us, so we’re still trying out new combinations,” she said.

Missing four starters

She added that the team still needs time to click and get the basics right. Asked about the factors that led to the heavy scoreline, she pointed out that the team is missing four starters: Amber Andrew, Brigitte Shigwedha, Aurora de Wee and Kirsten Nel.

“Not to say it’s an excuse, but the absence of our main players made it extra hard, as we could not utilise the combinations we practised with them.

“We’re going back to the drawing board and coming back stronger. I am excited to see what the team can do in the next round of matches. I am proud of the girls for trying their best on court,” she said.

Kamutushi also displayed sportsmanship by congratulating her rivals despite the result.

“Congratulations to Nust, they had a good team and played a great game. Their players showed up and gave 100 per cent,” she said.

'Lord Almighty carried us through'

Nust coach Jane Ndapandula Toivo welcomed the victory, saying it was the result of thorough preparation.

“What we displayed on court is what we prepared for. We’re thankful that the Lord Almighty carried us through to victory. The girls implemented their training well and exceeded all our expectations for this encounter,” she said.

Nust captain Tengovandu Muriambihu said the coach’s starting lineup was strong and helped boost the team’s confidence.

“Our mindset is never to give up and we encourage each other on the court. When we get tired, we rely on our mental strength to push through,” she said.

Nust, however, lost their second match of the opening weekend 33-40 to the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS).

Other Super 10 fixtures saw Wanderers claim a narrow two-point victory over United (46-44), while the University of Namibia (Unam) Jaguars defeated Golden Girls 35-25.

Second Division results

In the Second Division, the heaviest scoreline was Tigers’ 35-point defeat to Afrocat Lions A (55-20), followed by Tura Magic beating Black Africa 50-37, while Afrocat Lions B fell 38-28 to Zebra Force.

The only draw of the opening weekend was between Unam Jaguars and City of Windhoek, who played to a 32-32 deadlock.

Third Division results

In the Third Division, one blowout that stood out was United B’s 53-0 defeat to TC Gladiators and debutants Okamita’s 15-0 victory over fellow newcomers Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

Other results saw City of Windhoek beat United 45-4, Africa Lions defeat Windhoek City 33-9, and again beat United A 28-14.

Debutants Young Generations started their campaign edging fellow newcomers Gomonate Fela 31-30. TC Gladiators recorded a 26-21 victory over Nust, while Tura Magic beat Black Africa 25-18.

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