Namibia gears up for indoor hockey world cup

Marriette Stoffberg, vice-president of the Namibia women’s hockey union, has outlined an ambitious training and preparation plan for Namibia’s national indoor hockey teams ahead of the 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia."We’ll start off with an intensive training camp with highly competent coaches in the Netherlands," Stoffberg revealed during a press briefing. "We’ll be playing almost every day in events known as the Woof-de-Plusser gloves, renowned for their high quality in Europe. These professional-grade environments will help our teams prepare more effectively."This training regimen aims to elevate the skill level and readiness of both the men’s and women’s teams, equipping them to face international competition head-on. Following the Netherlands training camp, the teams will engage in matches against Croatia before heading to the World Cup in Croatia.Historic moment for Namibian hockeyEmma Kantema-Gaomas, deputy minister of sport, expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting the ministry’s dedication to sports development in Namibia."The government remains committed to supporting our teams with all necessary resources," said Kantema-Gaomas. "This year, we’ve allocated nearly 6 million Namibian dollars to ensure our teams are well-prepared and able to participate in the World Cup."This marks the fourth World Cup appearance for Namibia’s women’s team and the third for the men’s team. Both squads have shown exceptional promise, with the men recently securing their spot as African champions, while the women have dominated regional tournaments.An opportunity for growthStoffberg emphasised the importance of this international exposure, not just for winning but for the holistic development of the players."Displaying your talent on the World Cup stage opens doors for scouting and other opportunities," she noted. "It’s an essential step toward making sports a viable employment contributor in our country."Erastus Haitengela, the ministry of sports' executive director, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unity and national pride fostered through sports.Encouragement and accountabilityWhile celebrating the upcoming participation, Kantema-Gaomas urged the hockey union to maintain transparency and accountability in fund utilization. She also called for increased developmental programs across all regions to ensure equitable sports opportunities for all Namibians."We want to see players emerging from every corner of Namibia, reflecting our nation’s diversity," she said. "Sports are a powerful tool for nation-building, and we are committed to fostering talent across all regions."Looking forwardAs the teams prepare to depart for Croatia, the excitement and expectations are palpable. The government’s significant investment and the meticulous preparation underscore Namibia’s commitment to excelling on the international stage."Go forth and make Namibia proud," Kantema-Gaomas encouraged. "Your victories are our victories, and we stand behind you as a nation."Namibia’s indoor hockey teams are set to leave an indelible mark at the World Cup, carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation on their shoulders. With intensive training and robust support, they are well on their way to achieving new heights in the world of hockey.

Namibia gears up for indoor hockey world cup

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Namibia gears up for indoor hockey world cup

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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