Netball Namibia defends selection process 

Netball Namibia has defended its selection process for the preliminary under-19 national squad, maintaining that the system is fair, structured and focused on long-term player development.

This follows public backlash after the squad announcement from the recently concluded Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, where a significant number of players were selected from the Khomas regional team, while only one player from defending champions Kavango East was included.

In a statement dated 14 April, the federation acknowledged the reaction, noting it had “taken note of the extensive public discussion and reactions”, following the squad announcement.

Responding to follow-up questions from The Namibian Sport, Netball Namibia president Juanita Witbeen says: “The selection process is guided by a standardised framework used by national selectors and technical officials, with emphasis on ensuring selectors apply consistent criteria during national competitions.”

She says player assessments are conducted through a structured evaluation approach, which considers technical execution, tactical awareness, physical readiness, consistency, and positional suitability within the team setup.

Addressing the exclusion of standout performers, including the best shooter of the tournament, Ester Kapinga, Witbeen says “selection decisions are based on how each player complements the team as a whole, including positional needs and specific tactical considerations identified by the selectors”.

She says the selection process is overseen by a panel of qualified selectors operating within agreed guidelines, with safeguards such as collective decision-making and the use of evaluation tools “to minimise subjectivity”.

Witbeen says providing players and coaches with feedback is an important component of athlete development.

She further acknowledges public criticism, with reviews forming part of efforts to enhance transparency, strengthen confidence, and align with best practices in sport governance.

‘SERIOUS QUESTIONS’

However, criticism has continued to emerge from regional leadership.

Rundu Rural constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu, who accompanied the Kavango East team to the tournament, says they took note of the response.

“We have taken note of their largely formulaic explanation that the selection criteria were merit-based . . . however, this position raises serious questions,” he says.

Mbangu says the selection of nine players from the runner-up team, compared to only one from the championship-winning team “is difficult to justify”.

“If the runner-up team indeed had nine outstanding individual performers, how did they lose to both the Otjozondjupa and Kavango East regions?” he asks.

He also criticises the omission of Kavango East’s top shooter, saying “it is equally perplexing that the tournament’s best shooter from the Kavango East region, Ester Kapinga, was not selected for the under-20 national team”.

“In our view, the winning team’s success is itself evidence of strong individual performances, as collective achievement is built on individual excellence,” he says.

Mbangu says the actions of the selection committee reflect poorly on the integrity of the process, adding that the situation casts doubt on the credibility, ethical standards, and leadership capacity of the association.

“As such, there is a compelling case for the current leadership to step aside, given the apparent loss of public confidence and authority,” he says.

Despite the criticism, Netball Namibia says it maintains confidence in its technical structures and reiterates its commitment to fairness, transparency and the long-term development of athletes.

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