Netball u21s toil in Botswana

WINDHOEK – Namibia’s Under-21 netball team lost their opening game of the Africa U-21 World Cup qualifiers 48-30 against Malawi on Sunday.

The World Cup qualifiers kicked off in Gaborone, Botswana on Sunday and conclude on Saturday.

Eight nations – host Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Lesotho and South Africa – are competing, with the top three countries in the event qualifying for the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017, also to be hosted by Botswana.

Speaking to Nampa on Monday, Netball Namibia officials who are in Botswana with the team said team coach Antoinette Wentworth feels they played well, but the team plans to improve in their upcoming games.

“We had a good fight from the second quarter until the very end. The girls narrowed the gap on the goals that were scored.

“After the game we had a game analysis and pointed out the areas that need improvements, because some of our players had their first international exposure and there was some anxiety,” she said.

Wentworth added that the players are positive and ready to improve on their mistakes, adding that they will focus on each other’s strong points in their upcoming matches.

The Namibian u21 team currently in Botswana consists of Sharny Engelbrecht, Rieta Marie Brandt, Juzelri Garbers, Jessica Moolman, Jehumba Hambira, Atushe Shihepo, Vickey Uarije, Uehengisa Tjozongoro, Tjimbakavaza Tjepetekera, Himezeembi Tjejamba, Minerva Calvar Callozo and Ronell Benson. – Nampa

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