League champions NCS spark celebrations

Season 4 of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League reached a great climax yesterday with winners honoured at the prize-giving following the last round of matches at Otjiwarongo.Namibia Correctional Service Netball Club is celebrating its second league triumph in two seasons, sealed with a 34-27 win against Otjozondjupa Nampol yesterday.The league winners Correctional Services, under their captain Elmarien Hoeses and coach Salomon Tuaire, were awarded N$180 000 after accumulating 42 points in their 22 matches.Namibian Navy (second, 40 points, N$120 000), Mighty Gunners (third, 34 points, N$60 000) and Wanderers (fourth, 27 points, N$40 000) were also well rewarded with prize money.At the other end of the points log, the bottom two Tsumeb Netball Club and Young Stars are automatically relegated, while Unam Jaguars and Afrocat Lions will have to defend their status in play-offs against lower-league challengers.Overcoming ups and downsIn her concluding speech, Netball Namibia president Rebekka Goagoses said: “This year has been another exciting chapter in our netball journey, filled with hard-fought matches, incredible displays of skill, and a passion for the sport that unites us all.“We saw 12 clubs compete fiercely on the courts, showcasing talent, determination and the spirit of sportsmanship that defines Namibian netball. Despite challenges, including instances where players could not take time off work and teams struggled to field enough players, our league persisted, proving once again that netball is a sport that brings us together, against all odds. “Matches are played on (both) Saturdays and Sundays, and teams often have to travel long distances, sometimes over 700 kilometers one way, (while needing) to ensure that players are well-rested and ready to compete. This is no easy feat, and I commend every team for their commitment.“Most clubs had the chance to play at their home grounds for their derbies, except for Namibian Navy, Tsumeb and Eastern Chiefs, who are the sole representatives of their respective regions. We also faced some logistical challenges when rounds 15 and 16 were postponed due to national team obligations affecting multiple clubs. “I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Kavango East, particularly Divundu, who hosted premier league matches for the first time. This small village, recently elevated to local authority status, warmly welcomed us, and we hope to bring more matches to Divundu in the future.“At the Divundu matches, Netball Namibia proudly donated ten netball balls to the region, where the game is often played on sandy surfaces with soccer balls. This small gesture is part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing netball, especially in rural areas with scarce resources.“For four years, MTC has steadfastly supported the Netball Namibia Premier League. Their financial backing has been the cornerstone of our league’s success, allowing us to elevate the game and provide a platform for our players to shine. MTC, thank you for believing in our vision and standing by us every step of the way. Your support goes beyond financial; it’s a vote of confidence in the future of Namibian netball.“However, we cannot ignore the challenges that persist. Netball faces severe infrastructure issues across the country. Our players compete outdoors, often on courts that are not adequately maintained. Weather conditions, particularly in coastal towns, frequently disrupt games, and our teams have had to deal with slippery courts and unpredictable winds. We are urging local authorities to prioritize the maintenance and construction of netball courts in their budgets. “We also appeal to corporate Namibia and large companies to assist with sprung floors and indoor facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of our players. We are working tirelessly to address these issues and ensure that the necessary resources are available to harness and develop talent from grassroots to elite levels.“At our recent AGM in Ongwediva, we took significant steps to honour those who have paved the way for Namibian netball. We awarded honorary membership to former netball presidents Honorable Agnes Tjongarero, Carol Garoes, Lydia Kandetu, Lydia Mutenda, and former vice-president Isadore Nell. Their contributions laid the foundation for the growth we celebrate today, and we owe much of our success to their vision.“To all teams, players, and supporters, thank you for making this season a success. As we prepare for the playoffs and welcome new teams to the league, let us continue to build on this foundation and work towards an even brighter future.”ApplauseOn behalf of sponsors MTC, Tim Ekandjo applauded the leadership at all levels of netball in Namibia. “Everything starts and ends with visionary leaders. The 2024 MTC Namibia Netball Premier League has been nothing short of exciting. A total of 132 competitive games were played over this season.“I would like to thank all the players, team owners, management teams, league administrators, umpires, volunteers and everybody that played a role for your dedication and support.“We are well aware that the MTC Namibia Netball Premier League is still very young, only four years old, and therefore there will always be challenges. Transport is becoming more expensive and so is the operational cost of running the teams, but we want to promise you one thing, we remain committed to this league as long as you show your commitment.”Individual awardsPlayer of the tournament: Lucia Haikera (Eastern Chiefs), N$7 000.Best shooter: Anna Kaspar (Namibian Navy), N$7 000.Best midcourt player: Elmarien Hoeses (Namibian Correctional Service), N$5 000.Best defender: Mwale Mulenamaswe (Namibian Correctional Service), N$5 000.Best administrator: Lizelle Stoman (Wanderers), N$5 000.

League champions NCS spark celebrations

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League champions NCS spark celebrations

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