Namibia’s recently assembled senior men’s netball side is hard at work in preparation of the upcoming Africa Netball Cup.
The highly anticipated continental spectacle, featuring both men’s and women’s netball teams, is set for the MTC Dome at Swakopmund from 9 to 14 December.
Speaking to Desert FM this week, head coach Terri Salomon Tuaire of Namibia’s men’s national team, dubbed ‘Camelthorn’, said it was a significant challenge to assemble a team primarily due to the novelty of the sport in the country.
“We cast a wide net to identify potential players. That approach allowed us to discover the hidden talent and gather a group of enthusiastic individuals,” Salomon said.
“We held a relatively nice training camp and the final preparation is the days before the kickoff of the competition. These players have shown and demonstrated agility, strategic thinking, physicality and fitness level,” said Salomon.
Many of the squad members are still learning the game, but the technical team can rely on those with some experience to lead the charge.
Salomon is convinced that his side will be competitive while getting to grips with international competition.
“Though our team is said to be the tournament underdogs, they will not be surprised if they pull off a victory against the so-called top teams,” the coach said.
Africa Netball president Cecilia Molokwane said such dynamics add to the intrigue of the competition and urged Namibians to fill out the venue where Africa’s best netball talent will be on display.
She said: “As Africans one must be proud of their heritage, culture and embrace the goodness of being Africans.”
The organisers announced the list of officials to take charge of proceedinds at the Africa Netball Cup on Wednesday.
The Umpire Advisory Panel (UAP) consists of Heather Gleadall (England), Margaret Deighan (England) and Marielouw van der Merwe (South Africa).
The umpires are Elizna van der Berg (South Africa), Theo Moletsane (South Africa), Thuto Magome (South Africa), Adrian Abrahams (South Africa), Leonard Masao (South Africa), Tharina Opperman (South Africa), Moeth Gaymes (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Chakatsa Lephole (Lesotho), Boikhutso Tuelo (Botswana) and Caswell Palmer (England).
Tickets are available via www.webtickets.com.na at N$50 for adults and N$30 for children aged seven to 16 years old from 9 to 13 December.
The prices will go up for adults from 14 December when tickets will fetch N$80.
Alternatively, a week pass, valid from 9 to 14 December, is available for N$250 for adults and N$200 for children.
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