Jewels fulfil promise to bring UAE Cup home

Namibia’s Debmarine Desert Jewels made history on Saturday, becoming the first team to win the inaugural United Arab Emirates (UAE) Netball Cup in Dubai.The senior national netball team secured the title after defeating Singapore’s Vandas 62-53 in the gold medal match.Speaking upon their return yesterday, captain Anna Kaspar was all smiles as she reflected on a promise fulfilled.“Thank you to Debmarine CEO Willy Mertens and, most importantly, to the fans. We couldn’t have done this without your messages and prayers. They fuelled our determination to bring the cup home,” she said.“I’m incredibly proud of the ladies. We stuck together as a unit and carried one another on and off the court. There’s real potential in this team and much more to come. Keep believing in us!”The two finalists were tipped as favourites throughout the round-robin tournament. Their earlier group-stage clash ended in a tightly contested 49-49 draw, which commentators Lily Saffron Coleman and Keneiloe Kgasi described as “similar to a final”.But Saturday’s gold medal told a different story. According to commentators Coleman, Kgasi and Gillian Wilson, the Jewels “unsettled” the Vandas with a stronger, more strategic performance.Fast start, smart defenceThe Jewels opened the final in commanding fashion, dominating the first quarter 16-10. Louise Dreamy Kausehue got Namibia on the scoreboard early, netting two quick goals in the opening minute.Defensively, Mwale Mulenamaswe led a formidable effort. The Jewels’ box defence effectively shut down space and pressured Singapore’s key players, Amandeep Kaur Chahal and Toh Kai Wei, a marked improvement from their earlier matchup.Monica Gomases’s awareness and sharp passing in the dying seconds of the quarter helped captain Kaspar convert assists under pressure.Namibia maintained control in the second quarter (33-26), despite a scoring surge from Chahal. Coach Julene Meyer made a strategic switch, bringing on Monique Basson for Mulenamaswe in defence, a change that paid off as the Jewels restricted the Vandas’ movement and rhythm.Gomases continued to impress at centre, stealing possession and delivering long-range feeds into the circle, keeping Namibia firmly in the lead.Holding strong in third quarterIn the third quarter, the Jewels maintained their composure, stretching their lead to 45-40. Basson made way for Mulenamaswe again, who was key in disrupting Singapore’s attacking plays.Kaspar’s leadership and experience were on full display as she anchored the team and controlled the pace. Kausehue’s control and swift finishes at the goal circle were vital, especially as Singapore closed the gap to within four goals at one stage.However, Mulenamaswe’s height and defensive awareness allowed her to intercept key passes and prevent a comeback, notably denying several attempts by Chahal.‘Centre powerhouse’In the final quarter, youngster Grace Matyayi made her mark with timely interceptions and composure beyond her years.Namibia’s disciplined structure and strong positional play kept the game clean. Gomases, described as “the centre powerhouse” by commentators, was instrumental with her long-range passes and vision, consistently feeding the shooters from deep in her own half.For her standout performance, Gomases was named Most Valuable Player from the Jewels’ side.Jewels’ victimsNamibia finished the tournament undefeated. Their victories included wins over the United States’ Flying Eagles (66-30), Ireland Emeralds, UAE Falcons (69-48) and Kenyan Divas (41-33).Kenya claimed the bronze medal after a 46-37 win over Ireland. The UAE Falcons beat the USA 65-48 to finish fourth.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Jewels fulfil promise to bring UAE Cup home

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