The Namibian nation is still basking in a glow of patriotism and pride following the Desert Jewels’ 62-53 victory against Singapore in Dubai on Saturday to win the UAE Netball Cup.
The two nations had met earlier during the group stages of the tournament when they played to a 49-49 draw, but in the final, Namibia took the lead from the start and never relinquished it.
After taking an early 4-3 lead, Namibia pulled away with a seven-goal run to go 11-3 up before eventually taking the first quarter 16-10.
The second quarter was more closely contested, but Namibia maintained their advantage by outscoring the Singapore Vandas 17-16, to take a 33-26 half-time lead.
The Vandas came back strongly after the break, outscoring the Desert Jewels in the third quarter, but Namibia responded with a strong defensive display in the final quarter to seal a nine-goal victory.
Their victory was soon met with hundreds of congratulatory messages on social media, while Namibian president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also congratulated the team on her official Namibian Presidency Facebook page on Saturday.
“I would like to congratulate our national women’s netball team, the Debmarine Desert Jewels, for being crowned champions of the inaugural United Arab Emirates Netball Cup. The victory of the Debmarine Desert Jewels in the final against Singapore is a moment of great joy for the sports fraternity and the Namibian people in general,” she says.
“The Namibian government has prioritised sport as one of the seven key strategic priority areas, and the 2025/26 national budget is aligned to the professionalisation of sport by investing in sport infrastructure across the country to realise the full potential of our sportsmen and women. Indeed, the victory of the national women’s netball team is a step in the right direction for sport in our country, and I reassure our champions that they have made the nation proud,” she adds.
“I look forward to meeting the team in the coming days. Congratulations and well done to our champions.”
Africa Netball also congratulated the Desert Jewels on its Facebook page.
“Now that the celebration and excitement of an African country lifting the trophy has settled, it’s time to say it loud: Congratulations, Namibia, for rising above the best in the Inaugural UAE Netball Cup 2025, which proudly hosted. History has been made on the courts of Dubai. After days of passion, power and precision, the tournament has come to a close — uniting nations, uplifting talent and showcasing the very best of global netball,” it says.
“To the champions — team Namibia: You’ve shown what excellence looks like. With every pass, goal and moment of courage, you lifted not just your team but an entire continent. Your grit, grace and fire have written history. Africa celebrates you!” it adds.
Namibia remained unbeaten throughout the tournament after winning five and drawing one of their group matches. They beat Kenya 41-33, the UAE 69-48, Ireland 57-38, and the USA 66-30, while they drew 49-49 against Singapore.
Namibia topped the log at the end of the group stages with 23 points and a +87 goal aggregate, while Singapore came second on 23 and a goal aggregate of +47.
They were followed by Kenya on 17 points, Ireland (13), UAE (9) and USA (2).
