Namibia gets N$3m floors for Africa Netball Cup 

Netball Namibia (NN) has secured two sprung wooden floors for the upcoming Africa Netball Cup slated for Swakopmund in December.

The competition will be held inside the multipurpose MTC Dome from 9 to 12 December.

Commonly used for activities like dancing, gymnastics and fitness, a sprung wooden floor absorbs shock and is designed to reduce the risk of injury from repeated impact.

It’s often made of wood and foam blocks attached to the bottom to provide a slight bounce.

Speaking to Desert Radio recently, NN vice president Connie Samaria, who doubles as the local organising committee chairperson, said the floors were acquired at a combined cost of N$3 million through a mystery stakeholder whose identity will be made public in due course.

“One of the requirements from World Netball is that a country should be able to have a wooden sprung floor at its disposal, and that the competition must be played in an indoor complex,” Samaria said.

“We have not had one, but we are glad to announce that through the support of our stakeholder, we secured two such sprung floors,” he said.

Installing these special surfaces shows Namibia’s readiness and ability to host the competition, which in turn advances the country’s development agenda, Samaria said.

“In the past, Namibia could not continue hosting sanctioned international events because of the netball requirement set for any country that would like to host a ranking game,” he said.

“This year we were fortunate to secure the rights to host it in Namibia. Our intent was to put our name in the hat to secure the hosting rights as part of the federation’s long-term strategic plan,” Samaria said.

“Hosting an event of that magnitude contributes significantly to the growing economy of a region hosting the event, because all the services the participating countries require will benefit both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.”

Ten nations have confirmed their participation, with two others expected to make a decision on their inclusion by tomorrow.

The participating visitors are expected to arrive in the country by 6 and 7 December.

Namibia’s Desert Jewels are looking to go one better this year, following their runner-up finish at the 2023 edition in Gaborone, Botswana.

Part of the strategic plan is to ensure that Namibia improves its ranking by regularly competing in international netball competitions.

“Players will be exposed to the level of play and dimension changes and characteristics of national teams in Africa and the world,” Samaria said.

“We are talking about having the senior level of all African countries, but we have to develop groups like the under-19 shadow team and under-21.”