Bank Windhoek Doc Tourney delivers thrilling volleyball

The 41st edition of the Doc Tournament attracted close to 800 players to Swakopmund over the weekend to battle for honours in the oldest volleyball competition in the country.

Hosted by the Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF), with Bank Windhoek as the primary sponsor, the tournament celebrated volleyball excellence and community spirit, bringing together players, coaches and fans nationwide.

It also offered the chance to win a portion of the N$104 000 prize money.

The Namibian Correctional Services won in the men’s division, making it their third consecutive victory in this competition, while the Namibian Defence Force (NDF)-Raptors took second place.

NamPol Volleyball, the Namibian Navy, and NamPower won third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively. Revivals Volleyball Club won the Women’s Division, followed by the University of Namibia (Unam) Queens. Kudos Volleyball Club won third place, followed by NDF-Phonixes and NamPol Volleyball Club.

Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti officially opened the tournament. He thanked Bank Windhoek for investing in sports such as volleyball and said the government would also increase its investment in sport.

This year’s tournament was made even more special by the participation of the under-19 national men and women’s teams, providing the youngsters valuable exposure and experience at competitive senior level.

NVF president Tobias Mwatelulo says the participation of a diverse group of volleyball teams from across the country reflected the sport’s growing interest and competitive spirit.

“The event’s competitiveness increased to the highest level, and the spectators had a whole pack of actions that kept them on their toes,” Mwatelulo says.

“Thanks to our sponsor, Bank Windhoek, who has been partnering with volleyball for over 14 years with a sponsorship which has accumulated to four million Namibian dollars.”

The Bank Windhoek Doc Volleyball Tournament is one of the oldest and biggest in the country. It attracts hundreds of spectators who are treated to high-energy matches and impressive displays of skill from players of all ages and skill levels.

Bank Windhoek’s corporate social responsibility and sponsorships manager, Audrey Mostert, says: “It was an amazing experience to witness thrilling competitive volleyball action this Easter weekend. The turnout signals that volleyball’s development is heading in the right direction.”

The Individual awards winners in the men’s category were: Best server – Ndakenongo Teofilus (NDF-R); Best setter – Simon Ekandjo (NCS); Best blocker – Eliud Ndakenongo (NCS); Best attacker – Eliuda Haufiku (NCS); Best libero – Kavetuna Uariependa (NDF-R); Most valuable player – Kavetuna Uariependa (NDF-R); Youngest player – Matheus Nahenda (16 Years);

Individual awards in the women’s category: Best server – Nokokure Kambatuku (RVC); Best setter – Hendrina Iindongo (RVC); Best blocker – Frieda Iindongo (RVC); Best attacker – Harris Lameesh (Unam-Q); Best libero – Reiter Claudia (RVC); Most valuable player – Harris Lameesh (Unam-Q); Youngest player – Kongwa Mubwayeta (11 Years); Longest participating club – RVC & DTS.