The 2026 Bank Windhoek Doc Tournament, hosted by the Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) at the Dome at Swakopmund over the weekend, concluded with a record-breaking level of competition and participation.
The tournament featured 39 teams –16 female and 23 male – including 11 clubs making their debut, reflecting volleyball’s growing reach in Namibia.
Zambia’s Green Buffaloes Volleyball Club made history by winning both the male and female divisions in their first appearance. The club, a premier sports wing of the Zambian Army, brought an international dimension to the event, raising the technical level for local teams.
In the men’s division, NCS VC finished second, followed by NDF Raptors in third, while in the women’s division, NCS VC were runners-up and Blaze Aces VC claimed third place.
Tournament director Elia Muremi describes the event as a success.
“The tournament went very well, from time management, participant feedback, spectator turnout, safety, entertainment and other general services.”
He also highlights the emergence of young talent and the competitive intensity of the female category.
“The dominance by young players was remarkable, and the unpredictability of match outcomes kept fans engaged. Teams had to adjust coaching and playing strategies, which will be vital as they prepare for the Zone 6 Championships in Namibia this December,” he says.
The NVF notes that the tournament was marked by a surge in standards and participation, with new clubs making a strong impact.
The presence of key dignitaries, including Swakopmund councillor Victor Maswahu, Namibia National Olympic Committee president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, Swakopmund chief executive Alfeus Benjamin, Namibia Sport Commission chief administrator Freddy Mwiya and Bank Windhoek manager Samuel Linyondi, underscored the event’s status on the national sporting calendar.
Bank Windhoek’s generous sponsorship of N$120 000 added an extra incentive for teams to perform at their best.
In the women’s division, the victorious Green Buffaloes VC walked away with N$20 000, while runners-up NCS VC received N$15 000. Blaze Aces VC rounded off the podium, claiming N$10 000, followed by Revivals VC with N$5 000 and NamPol VC taking home N$2 000.
In the men’s category, Green Buffaloes VC again took the top prize of N$20 000, with NCS VC earning N$15 000 for second place. The NDF Raptors secured third, receiving N$10 000, while NamPower VC and Afrocat Sports Club D collected N$5 000 and N$2 000, respectively.
Muremi attributes the growth of volleyball in Namibia to rising standards.
“Volleyball is improving to higher standards daily, especially among players under 30. Competitions like the Doc Tournament help shape the next generation of players,” he says.
He acknowledges challenges in organising the tournament, particularly with time management and implementing new ranking systems, but highlights plans to expand future editions to include more teams from regions outside the Erongo and Khomas regions, and to extend the competition over more than two days to allow for rest and accommodate additional participants.
“Time management and the new ranking system were challenging, but next year we plan to include more teams from outside the Erongo and Khomas regions, and to extend the tournament,” he says.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
