Desert Jewels get N$150 000 boost for Celtic Cup

Namibia’s senior women’s national netball team, the Debmarine Desert Jewels, have received N$150 000 to support their endeavour of competing at the Celtic Cup in Scotland from 26 to 30 November.Being held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, the event’s second edition will see debutants Desert Jewels go up against hosts Scottish Thistles and defending champions Welsh Feathers of Wales.Other competing nations include Northern Ireland’s NI Warriors, Uganda’s She Cranes and Zimbabwe’s Gems.The tournament will be played in a round-robin format and will feature three-match thrillers each day, slated for 16:30, 19:00 and 21:30 (Namibian time).Wednesday fixturesThe tournament opener will see Desert Jewels take on She Cranes on 26 November, with Gems versus NI Warriors following as the second game, before Scottish Thistles close out the day against defending champions Welsh Feathers.Thursday fixturesDay two, on 27 November, will see NI Warriors go up against She Cranes, before Desert Jewels face Scottish Thistles, and Welsh Feathers round up the day against Gems.Friday fixturesDay three, on 28 November, features Desert Jewels versus Gems in the opener, followed by Welsh Feathers versus NI Warriors, and Scottish Thistles versus She Cranes.Saturday fixturesOn 29 November, Desert Jewels will open the day again with an encounter against Welsh Feathers, before the second game of She Cranes versus Gems, and the final game of the day between NI Warriors and Scottish Thistles.Sunday fixturesDebmarine Desert Jewels will play their final round-robin match against NI Warriors on 30 November, followed by Welsh Feathers versus She Cranes, before the tournament’s final clash featuring Scottish Thistles against Gems.SponsorsNamibia’s first appearance was made possible by main sponsor Debmarine Namibia, alongside new partners Namibia Tourism Board and NamPower, who were announced yesterday at the team’s send-off by Namibia Sport Commission chairperson Turky Ndashiva.“We celebrate [Namibia Tourism Board and NamPower] for stepping forward to support the Desert Jewels on their journey to the Celtic Cup. They have both contributed N$100 000 and N$50 000, respectively,” she said.Ndashiva also extended gratitude to Debmarine Namibia for its “long-standing commitment” to the development of netball in the country.“Throughout years of investment, development programmes and player support, it has changed the trajectory of women’s sports in the country.“To my babies [Jewels], carrying the hope of the entire nation: you represent every young girl’s dream, every supporter and the flag you wear with pride. We believe in you,” said Ndashiva.Return of key playersTalking about the team’s readiness, specialist coach Dorette Badenhorst confirmed that two key players whose availability had been uncertain, centre (C) Monica Gomases and goal defence (GD) Loide Kanyolo, have been released from training with the Namibian Correctional Service and will be part of the team.“We are still waiting for goal shooter (GS) Louise Dreamy Kausehue from the Namibian Police training,” she remarked.All of Desert Jewels’ opponents at the Celtic Cup are ranked higher than their 15th place in the World Netball rankings.Badenhorst confirmed that it will be the team’s first opportunity to face top-ten nations, including defending champions Welsh Feathers (sixth), She Cranes (seventh) and Scottish Thistles (10th).“The players are looking forward to the challenge and want to make the country proud. They are ready to showcase their talent to the world and show them that we are from the Land of the Brave,” she assured.Having missed out on a top-12 ranking and participation in the Commonwealth Games in Scotland next year, Badenhorst said Desert Jewels have now shifted their main focus to qualifying for the 2027 Netball World Cup.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Desert Jewels get N$150 000 boost for Celtic Cup

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Desert Jewels get N$150 000 boost for Celtic Cup

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