Omaheke hopeful for netball cup

Omaheke netball team manager Estmerelda Bendt says they aim to take the coveted Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup to the ‘Cattle Country’.

Bendt’s charges are drawn in group B, alongside formidable sides, including defending champion Kavango East, while Khomas, another star-studded outfit, is another team competitors, especially Omaheke, have to look out for.

Other serious contenders in group B include Oshikoto, Kavango West, Otjozondjupa and Oshana.

“I can guarantee you there is no team we fear, but we are indeed in a group of death. It’s all about the survival of the fittest,” Bendt says.

She says the Omaheke Regional Netball Association has always spearheaded the selection of the best players from all constituencies.

“The association also ensures that all affiliation fees are paid to Netball Namibia to allow netball to take place in the region.

“The Omaheke regional under-20 team comprises players from different constituencies in the region.”

Bendt, who also serves as regional chairperson, says the team will be coached by head coach Monica Bohitile and assistant coach Gregg Makari.

“They were hands-on and present during all training sessions. They led the team last year to second place, and thus are given a chance to grab the gold with their coaching skills,” she says. “The opportunity was given to all netball lovers, coaches and ex-netball players to come and take part in the selection of the players so we can make it a team effort as a region.

“We still have over four players from the 2025 team, as the others are now older and cannot participate this year, but I can assure you the team is highly motivated and eager to go fight for gold, considering the amazing outcome of second place in last year’s tournament,” Bendt says.

She says the Omaheke Regional Council, the governor’s office, and the Gobabis Municipality have been supportive regarding preparations. The regional council has ensured all players outside Gobabis were transported from their constituencies to Gobabis for team building purposes and to ensure proper preparation before departing to Keetmanshoop.

“The sport officers in the different constituencies have also given their undivided support, and they too have managed to visit the players at the training ground.

“The team scooped playing gear from the tournament sponsor last year, but we would appreciate more netball gear,” Bendt says.

The team manager says political leaders such as the governor and local councillors have shown great dedication in the interest of sport in the region.

“I’m proud to tell you some of them have been present since the trials until now,” she says. “Our strategy is simple: We’re going out there to compete while also getting skills from other regions. We will not easily let the gold slip through our hands again; we remain the champions!”

Bendt says the team is ready to give Namibians a show.

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