Desert Jewels to shine

Namibia's senior netball team, the Desert Jewels, will compete in a six-nation netball championship that will be played from 20 to 26 October in Singapore.This is after a six-year hiatus, as they last took part in this competition in 2012.The 12-woman squad received a N$500 000 sponsorship that will be spent on, among others, flight tickets, meals and full kit and sneakers, from Debmarine Namibia.The company has for the last three years been sponsoring Netball Namibia (NN), as well as the Debmarine Namibia Cup.“NN has successfully proven to be a worthy recipient of our sponsorships. For the past two years, NN successfully hosted the Debmarine Namibia senior regional championships, the Pent Series, the training of umpires and coaches and has been responsible for strengthening regional netball bodies,” said Willy Mertens, acting CEO of Debmarine Namibia.Mertens said the sponsorship came about after NN was challenged to find worthy opponents to play in the 2019 Pent Series tournament, due to the Netball World Cup and World Netball Congress.NN approached Debmarine with an alternative possibility that had good potential to improve the Desert Jewels' ranking and give the players a chance to be scouted in Singapore.“Nothing brings us greater joy as employees of Debmarine than to be at occasions like this. We are certainly not immune to the current economic challenges, locally and globally, in the diamond market, but supporting women and girls is not just the right thing to do; it is a business imperative to us,” Mertens said.He further encouraged the players to do their best. “Go and work hard and play fair at the same time. We are very much aware that at the end of the tournament there is always one winner and a few runner-ups, but what is important is that you represent Namibia with pride,” he added.NN vice-president Rebekka /Goagoses informed the players that the whole netball fraternity is grateful for the sponsorship.“There will be scouts in Singapore, giving an opportunity to the players to be picked for the league that side. Participation will also allow us to seek a better ranking,” said /Goagoses.The captain of the team, Jatjinda Tjihero, thanked the sponsors and said they will keep their eye on the ball. The netball championship will see Singapore competing against Namibia, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Ireland and Botswana.In 2012 Namibia finished third. In 2017, Cook Islands won the cup and are looking for a repeat performance. Papua New Guinea will be making their eighth appearance. They finished as runners-up in 2015 and 2016, and will be focused on taking the top spot this year. Ireland will be looking to improve on their run of form from past tournaments and will be competing fiercely to break out of the bottom three. Botswana are also bringing a strong squad to the competition. The Desert Jewels squad is as follows: Shuweninawa Frans, Jatjinda Kambatuku, Leandri van der Walt, Tangeni Hanyanaya, Venyekerera Maharero, Etuhole Shipanga, Jaanda Tjihero, Emmy Kutako, Ndeshitila Kaspar, Zauana Jaumbuaje, Himeezembi Tjijmba and Diana Tjejamba.The head coach is Julene Meyer.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Desert Jewels to shine

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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Desert Jewels to shine

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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