The Desert Jewels’ ranks boasts several new faces as they begin preparing for the Africa Netball Cup set to take place in early December.
Namibia is aiming for an improved showing this time around after finishing second to Zambia in Botswana last year.
Jewels head coach Julene Meyer has already assembled a training squad two months in advance to ensure they deliver a polished performance, even though the tournament’s venue and composition is yet to be determined.
Meyer called up an assortment of promising youngsters from the under-21 national side, and seasoned campaigners who impressed during the just-concluded MTC Namibia Netball Premier League season.
The selectors held trials over the weekend to identify the ideal new talent for upcoming international assignments.
The rookies are determined to justify their new found senior status, says goal attack Feni Paauli of Unam Ogongo.
“I’m so happy [to be part of the team], because the trial was difficult. Thank you, Debmarine, for giving us this opportunity, I’m very proud of this,” Paauli says.
Likewise, fellow newcomer Rejoice Kambonge, a goal shooter with Unam Jaguars, is delighted to be make the step up to the Desert Jewels.
“I’m very excited to be part of the senior team. I’m going to work hard so I can be able to remain where I am,” she says.
Another novice is defender Hunga Melita, from Eastern Chiefs, who is keen to show that she belongs in the senior setup.
“I’m so proud to be part of the senior national team. I’m still young and look forward to improving. I will have to make sacrifices and be disciplined so that I can keep playing for the senior team,” Melita says.
Grace Matyayi from Unam Jaguars adds that it is a dream come true to represent Namibia at the elite level.
“It’s a big privilege to be in the senior team. I know it’s going to require hard work for me to be part of the team as we go forward,” she says.
The Desert Jewels training squad is as follows:
Shooters – Rejoice Kambonge (Unam Jaguars), Anna Kaspar (Navy), Foxy Pura (NCS), Dreamy Kausehua (Nampol), Fenny Paauli (Unam Ogongo), Myriam Johannes (Mighty Gunners) Imbileni Frans (NCS), Zanté Farmer (United), Kuzouee Mberiuana (Wanderers);
Midcourt – Monica Gomases, Elisha Hambongo, Loide Hanyanya (Tigers);
Defence – Melita Hunga (Eastern Chiefs), Mwale Mulenamswe (NCS), Monique Basson (NCS), Grace Matjayi (Unam Jaguars) and Cornela Mupenda (University of Johannesburg, SA).
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