Project Unam takes shape

MANUEL Tjivera has an interesting project running with the Unam Jaguars, whom he recently led to a third Khomas netball league triumph in four years.

The likeable coach wants his talented players to be well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to their communities.

The Namibian Sport had a chat with Mansie, as he is affectionately known, and team captain Vendjihonga Katjaimo to get a glimpse into their fledgling project.

Unam beat closest challengers Tigers 39 – 29 in their final encounter on 12 October to be crowned regional champions for the third time in four years.

The Jaguars went unbeaten in double round-robin contests against Tigers, BA, United, Nampol, Wanderers and Afrocats to record a full complement of points.

That achievement was built on a collective desire to succeed.

“My coach is the one who really puts that extra effort for each of the players. He is very supportive on and off the field,” said the deeply religious Katjaimo.

“My teammates are the best – amazing faith-filled ladies. It is great to be playing with a group of ladies with whom you share the same faith because you just flow,” she beamed.

“The support as captain that I have received from them is outstanding. I would have a bad start at the game, and instead of blaming me for mistakes, they would encourage me. I knew I had to step up because these girls really depend on me. So, having such girls who got your back and push you up at your low, I can only thank God,” said Ovitoto native Katjaimo.

Despite Unam’s continued success, there is nothing elaborate or ingenious about their methods, Tjivera maintains.

Managing a gifted crop of self-driven young women makes the task that much easier for him.

“I am a highly player-centred coach. I do not play the strict school teacher when it comes to my approach of coaching. I do not call the players out, but instead I make them accountable and responsible when they are on and off court, meaning each one must understand when we work on a specific skill development before a training session is over, and apply that in game situations. It is good to talk, but not shout. It is good to listen, not to ignore, and it is good to offer encouragement, not criticism,” Tjivera noted.

After finishing runner-ups to Wanderers last year, Unam, who had similarly cruised to the 2014 and 2015 titles, needed to rediscover their winning form. Losing the league honours proved to be just the motivation they needed to stay on top of their game.

“It’s a very good feeling working towards a goal in the beginning of the season, and knowing that you check yourself all the time whether am I doing good, or do I have to do more. It’s not always about winning, but the will to want to win,” Tjivera said.

With an average age of 20, the Jaguars, who comprise a mixture of varying backgrounds and not just Unam students, are set to continue dominating the regional scene for some time.

Five of the players are part of the senior national side, while 10 in total are around the national set-up for various age groups.

In fact, Melissa Neis, Haven Tjozongoro, Himee Tjejemba, Cherlyn Muese and Katjaimo represented Namibia in two international tournaments this year, exposing them to a higher standard of netball, which came in handy for the Jaguars.

“We have a very talented team. It is pretty amazing to be champions. Last year when I got the captain’s role, I truly wanted to win the league, but we ended up second. So, it is a great achievement for the club that we managed to fulfil our ambition,” said Katjaimo, a final-year Bachelor of Law student who has won the Khomas championship in four of the six seasons she has been with the Jaguars.

Katjaimo (23) hopes her team remains consistent and helps to improve the standard of play in the country.

Thanks to the involvement of African Deli and Debmarine Namibia, netball is enjoying a welcome renaissance this year. The two companies have invested over N$2 million to revive the sport after decades in the doldrums.

The Unam Jaguars too were recipients of N$40 000 sponsorship from Coca-Cola Namibia, most of which went towards playing gear and equipment.

“Netball is not very competitive in Namibia. I think a lot can still be done to improve the level of play. There are so many talented ladies in the country, but netball here is viewed like a recreational activity. I’m glad that Netball Namibia is working on structures to uplift netball in the country,” Katjaimo noted.

For his part, Tjivera will continue advocating for the sport through inspiring pride and dedication to the cause among the youth.

“I plan to do the best I can in mentoring other coaches and netball players in skills development so that they get to where I am with regards to high performance at the Unam netball team,” he said.

“I also want to go back to basics, which means being involved with schools because that is where the challenge really is. I would like to assign some of the Unam netball players to schools to help with the development of the girl-child. At the moment, I have four [Unam players] actively coaching at schools, so the more we have, the better,” said Tjivera.