N$2.9 million sponsorship prologue to athletes’ stipend

Mobile Telecommunications Company’s (MTC) N$2.9 million sponsorship to Netball Namibia’s premier league this year is a prologue to MTC’s plan to provide athletes with a stipend next season.The sponsorship, announced in Windhoek on Friday, marks MTC’s half a decade of support for the league and is a precursor to its commitment to make the netball league the first fully professional league in the country.MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo announced the sponsorship, underscoring their collaboration with netball to work towards a three-year professionalisation plan.“It must be implemented immediately. It is our intention, and I underscore the word intention, to implement a minimum wage across the board for every participating player starting next year,” he assured.MTC investment historySince 2021, MTC has invested N$10.6 million in the netball premier league, starting with N$1.4 million that year, N$3.8 million in 2022/23 and N$2.5 million last year.The sports ministry’s director of sports, Irvine Ndjavera, announced that the ministry also has a project called Netball Professionalisation Pilot Project, which is holistically looking into developing netball’s leadership, the premier league and up-and-coming athletes.“I am pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year, the sports ministry will continue to provide transport assistance to the community-based teams travelling to compete in the netball premier league,” he remarked.Initially scheduled for 10 May, this season’s MTC Netball Premier League will now commence on 31 May, with 132 matches to be played across the country in Rundu, Walvis Bay, Ogongo, Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and Oshakati.‘Against Gender-Based Violence’Netball Namibia’s acting president, Juanitha Witbeen, said this season’s theme is ‘Against Gender-Based Violence’ and players will wear a purple ribbon that symbolises peace, courage, survival and honour.“The colour represents the commitment to ending the violence and every time an athlete steps on the court, the ribbon will serve as a significant symbol that will stand as we unite together,” said Witbeen.Speaking at the sponsorship occasion, Netball Namibia honorary member and acting president of Africa Netball, Rebekka Goagoses, quipped about what might be her farewell speech to the sporting body.“Standing here today, my heart swells with pride as I witness this incredible milestone in Netball Namibia’s journey. Securing a title sponsor for our beloved sport wasn't always easy.“The passion for the sport and burning desire to see our athletes reach their full potential fuelled our determination. The fifth season milestone is a testament to that perseverance and the dream realised,” she said.‘I'll be your champion on the global stage’Goagoses cautioned that despite the competition being stronger than ever, leadership should not settle.“I urge clubs to join formal structures in their regions. Let us ensure that talented players in the villages and towns don't get stuck in what we call bush tournaments, but rise to represent their regions and the country.“As acting president of Africa Netball and as a former player and president of Netball Namibia, I pledge my commitment and continued support to the growth and success of Namibian netball. Netball holds a special place in my heart. I'll be your champion, I'll be your advocate and your biggest cheerleader on the continental and global stage,” she assured.- mariud@nsh.com.na

N$2.9 million sponsorship prologue to athletes’ stipend

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Republikein 2025-05-13

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N$2.9 million sponsorship prologue to athletes’ stipend

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