Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Namibia has improved its position in the latest World Netball rankings, moving from 19th to 18th place among 49 netball-playing nations worldwide.
According to World Netball, rankings are determined by points earned from match results and the strength of opponents. A team earns 50 points more than their opponent’s rating for a win and 50 points less for a loss.
Since 1 July 2020, Namibia has played 26 international matches, accumulating 1 326 points. World Netball emphasises that a team must play a minimum number of international matches to earn an official ranking.
Currently, a team must play at least eight matches, including two against rated teams, to be ranked.
Netball Namibia described the improved ranking as a remarkable achievement, reflecting the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of players, coaching staff, and the broader netball community.
Netball Namibia’s secretary general, Sofia Simon attributed the country’s rise in the rankings to its performance in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup.
“This advancement in the world netball rankings not only highlights our growing presence in international netball but also serves as a motivation for our players to continue striving for excellence on the global stage,” Simon said.
She added that the ranking reflects Namibia’s commitment to developing netball at all levels and fostering a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience.
Simon also expressed gratitude to sponsors, fans, and local communities for their support, which has been instrumental in driving the team’s success.
