Namibia cruised to position number 15 in the recently published World Netball rankings, moving up from 18th place.
This is just shy of the 12th position Netball Namibia (NN) had hoped for.
With this ranking, the Desert Jewels’ dream of playing in next year’s Commonwealth Games is out of reach for now.
Speaking to Desert FM, NN president Juanitha Witbeen has expressed her excitement about the team’s newfound status.
“We are so excited, but would have loved to be part of the top 12 in the world ranking to be able to go through to the Commonwealth Games.”
The Commonwealth Games, also known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games or Glasgow 2026, will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
“But that is a hurdle we are busy working on, making sure we reach the goal we have set for ourselves.
“We are definitely heading in the right direction. I think we need to enforce our plans in terms of the development programmes we want to have for 2026.
“For us to look at the opportunities of trying to play in the World Cup come 2027, World Netball has announced that part and parcel of playing in the Commonwealth Games, we need to finish in the top 12 to be able to play,” Witbeen says.
She says the slots are still open, but there are challenges in terms of international play, however, they need to compete to move to 12th position.
“We are very hopeful, but we only have September, and then that ranking period closes, and teams will be announced.”
WAY FORWARD
“What we need to do now is . . . finish under the top 16 in the world.
“Currently, we are safe, but you need to play within your region, which is now Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
“The top two from each region in the world will get a spot among the top 16.”
Witbeen says NN should enforce its programmes, participate in international competitions, and play against teams ranked higher than Namibia.
“The plans are for us to compete in at least one or two international competitions next year and then play in the Africa qualification, which will take place in Kenya in September next year,” Witbeen says.
Currently, in the rankings, Uganda and Malawi are the only two countries in Africa among the top 10, and they can be part of NN’s benchmarking exercise.
Namibia needs to play Uganda, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to position itself more favourably for 2027.
Witbeen says the dream to qualify for the 2027 World Cup is alive.
She calls on the corporate sector to be part of NN’s dream of qualifying for the world netball spectacle set for Sydney, Australia.
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