Peerless Khomas maintain dominance

The Khomas region will get to keep the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup winners’ trophy after claiming their third consecutive triumph with a dominant 47-25 win over a spirited Oshana at Gobabis yesterday.

Led by the outstanding Tuvemue Kavetuna, who was voted the best player of the final, and the best shooter at the competition in Reze Garbers, whose 201 goals accounted for 83% of all goals scored over the four-day event, Khomas underlined their supremacy.

Captain Kevian Alcock said despite seeing off all comers, retaining the title was harder than it looked.

“We pledged that we would bring back the cup and that’s what we did. The tournament was very tough and very physical. Our bodies are sore and tired but we pushed through. We had to make it. We had to be the defending champions three times in a row. The cup is staying in Khomas and we’re really proud of our effort,” a beaming Alcock said as her team celebrated in the background.

Oshana captain Hendrina Shikwaya said they were proud to contest their first newspaper cup final.

“Throughout the tournament it was really difficult for us even though we came first in our pool. We did not lose any game until this one against Khomas,” Shikwaya said.

“We put in a lot of effort to get where we are. Oshana has never played in the netball final. So, for us to get here is really an achievement and something that we wished for. We are honestly very proud of ourselves.

“Although we lost, reaching the final was a great step for us and we count it as a success,” she said.

Individual Awards

Player of the newspaper cup – Hashipala Johanna (Oshana); mid-court player of the competition – Tuvemue Kavetuna (Khomas); best defender of the competition – Richildis Maseka (Kavango-East); best shooter of the competition – Reze Garbers (Khomas); best umpire of the competition – Liesa Visser (Khomas); development umpire of the competition – Ndapandula Haufiku (Otjozondjupa).