Ester Mbathera
Netball Namibia has awarded honorary membership to its former presidents, recognising their invaluable contributions to the sport’s growth in the country.
Federation president, Rebekka Goagoses announced this during the conclusion of the MTC Premier League in Otjiwarongo on Sunday.
“Recently, at our annual general meeting held in Ongwediva, we took significant steps to honour those who have paved the way for Namibian netball. We awarded honorary membership to former presidents 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 and leadership,” said Goagoses.
Goagoses also announced her intention to step down as president of the federation when her term ends in November. She has served on the Netball Namibia board for a decade.
“My journey with Netball Namibia has been fulfilling, from my days as a player to my current leadership role. Although my tenure is ending, my commitment to netball remains, and I look forward to supporting this beautiful game in new ways,” she said.
This marks the fourth year of the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League, which has become a key platform for the sport’s development.
Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator, Freddy Mwiya reaffirmed the commission’s support for netball, as long as the premier league continues to operate.
“There are only six sports codes in Namibia with premier leagues: netball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, cricket, and hockey. The philosophy that my leadership has adopted is that we would like all sports codes to have their own leagues. We cannot promote a code if it has no league. The league is the only platform that allows athletes in all regions to participate in competitive sports,” Mwiya said.
MTC’s Chief Officer for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Tim Ekandjo, hailed the 2024 season as an excellent one and addressed the challenges faced by sports codes, particularly in terms of transport and administration.
He pledged MTC’s continued support for the Netball Namibia Premier League, as long as there is commitment from the leadership and players.
“We will hold your hands and walk with you through thick and thin until we achieve the dream of semi-professionalising and even professionalising this league in the next five years,” Ekandjo said.
He encouraged Netball Namibia’s leadership to develop a comprehensive proposal outlining the steps required to professionalise the league, allowing both parties to plan effectively.
The league concluded with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), the Navy, and the Namibian Defence Force’s Mighty Gunners emerging as the top teams.
Lucia Haikera of the Eastern Chiefs Netball Club from Divundu in the Kavango East region was named Player of the Season, while Anna Kasper was the top shooter, scoring over 700 goals. The Midcourt Player of the Season award went to Elmarien Hoeses, while the Defender of the Season went to Mwale Mulenamaswe.
Tsumeb Netball Club (Oshikoto region) and Young Stars from Ruacana (Omusati region) have been relegated. UNAM Jaguars and Afrocats, both from the Khomas region, will enter the playoffs.
Currently, the league does not have representation from the Oshana, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Hardap, ||Karas, Zambezi, Kunene, and Kavango West regions.
