New era for Namibian volleyball 

Volleyball in Namibia entered a new era when the first-ever national league was launched at the Windhoek Showgrounds over the weekend.

With the Namibia Volleyball Federation having secured a three-year sponsorship deal with MTC to the value of N$3 million, the MTC Volleyball National League got underway with the first leg taking place at the Windhoek Showgrounds.

The league brings together teams from various regions throughout Namibia, with league matches to take place at various venues throughout the country over the next five months.

Sitting with the mandate to administer, manage, and coordinate the league, and receiving an injection of N$1 million annually for the next three years, the NVF is entrusted with the responsibility to grow and transform the league into a top tier professional league in the country.

Giving an overview of the league, NVF president Hillary Dux Imbuwa said that the launch signifies a new era and genesis of growth and development for volleyball as a sport in Namibia. 

“The MTC Volleyball National League stands as a pinnacle of excellence in Namibian volleyball, bringing together the finest talents from across the nation to compete in a spirited display of athleticism and sportsmanship. With eight male and eight female teams representing various regions, this league promises to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Namibian volleyball. Importantly, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the strategic vision outlined in the Namibia Volleyball Federation’s current strategic plan, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the sport at all levels,” he said.

The league will traverse through numerous towns, including Mariental, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Ondangwa and Otjiwarongo, with the last leg due to be held at Swakopmund on 19-20 October. 

In remarks delivered on his behalf, Tim Ekandjo of MTC commended the leadership on the MTC Volleyball National League for the invaluable work they did to ensure that the league kicks off in record time of receiving the sponsorship.

“We recognise and commend the work done by the NVF leadership to get us here.  Additionally, I want to remind the leadership and the players how this sponsorship came about. It was because of the sheer commitment and passion displayed by the players for the love of volleyball even when they knew they played for as little as N$1 500 as prize monies at the end of the season and covering all expenses themselves. This is the same passion that we want to see throughout this league even now that MTC is on board. That fire must continue to burn as this league commence today with eight male and female teams representing the very best of Namibian volleyball,” he said.

Deputy director in the ministry of sport, Jo-Anne Manuel congratulated the NVF and promised her office’s support to the federation. Manuel urged for sound leadership and accountability, and professionalism of the sport while commending MTC for extending a hand for the launch of the MTC Volleyball National League.

Meanwhile, Namibia Defence Force Raptors from Windhoek and Namibia Correctional Service from Ondangwa took the early lead in the men’s competition after the opening round of matches on Saturday.

The Raptors beat  Unam Hard Hitters from Katima Mulilo 3-1 and Coastal Warriors from Swakopmund 3-0 to go to the top of the log on six points. 

NCS are just behind them, also on six points, but with a slightly inferior set aggregate, after winning their opening two matches. 

They beat Khomas Nampol Volleyball Club of Windhoek 3-2 in a thriller that went down to the wire, and Calvary Eagles Sport Club of Rundu 3-0. 

Four teams are on three points each after winning one of their opening two matches.

Khomas Nampol beat Nampol Otjozondjupa from Otjiwarongo 3-0; Unam Hard Hitters beat Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility Volleyball Club 3-1;   Coastal Warriors beat Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility 3-1; and Calvary Eagles beat Nampol Otjozondjupa 3-0.

The two teams trailing at the bottom of the log on zero points each Nampol Otjozondjupa and Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility, who both lost their opening two matches.

In the women’s league, Khomas Nampol from Windhoek took the early lead, going to the top of the log on six points after winning their opening two matches. 

They beat Ball Busters Volleyball Club from Katima Mulilo 3-0 and Kudos Sports Club from Windhoek 3-2. 

They are followed by four teams on three points with one win each. Revivals Volleyball Club from Windhoek beat Nampol Otjozondjupa 3-0; Kudos Sports Club from Windhoek beat Six Stars Volleyball Club from Ondangwa 3-0; Namibian Navy Volleyball Club from Walvis Bay beat Beaufort Volleyball Club from Rundu 3-2; and Six Stars beat Ball Busters 3-1. 

Nampol Otjozondjupa and Ball Busters are bottom of the log on zero points each.