The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of volleyball action as teams from across the country battle for a spot in the national league.
The 2025 Bank Windhoek NVF Cup kicks off on 11 October at Ramatex Hall in Windhoek, with the nation’s top women’s teams competing for supremacy and a place in Sunday’s grand finale.
The competition promises intense rivalries, high stakes, and elite performances as clubs from across Namibia vie for the coveted national crown.
Kabende Kabende, the chairperson of the Zambezi Volleyball Association, this week spoke to The Namibian Sport about what to expect from his region’s representatives.
“We are sending four teams from the Zambezi region, two men’s and two women’s teams,” he said.
“We have a youthful team qualifying for the first time to the NVF Cup: the women’s team from Seagulls Volleyball Club. Then there is Vixens, a women’s team that has competed in the past three editions. On the men’s side, we have Real Cheetah Volleyball Club and Hippo Volleyball Club.”
Kabende adds: “It’s an exciting opportunity for our association, as any of our four teams advancing and winning could earn a place in the National Volleyball League. While it’s unfortunate that we currently have a team that may be relegated from the VNL, we remain hopeful that a Zambezi team will join or rejoin the national league in the future.
“Volleyball in the Zambezi has grown beyond a sport, it’s a culture. We expect the community in Windhoek to come out this weekend to Ramatex Hall to support our teams. Even if we don’t win, the competition will offer valuable lessons for improvement ahead of the next edition.”
Kavango Volleyball Association chairperson Anna-Rosa Mupiri yesterday expressed optimism about her region’s teams.
“This year we have Shining Stars and Blaze from the women’s division, and Brutal Pack and Unam Vipers from the men’s side. The teams are very competitive, so watch out for them.
“Brutal Pack last year came very close to qualifying for the VNL, so this year they’ve done their homework and are coming in strong,” she said.
Brutal Pack captain Stephanus Kavera reflected on their unbeaten run in the KVA league, attributing their success to teamwork.
“There was no secret, it was just the team spirit. Each player was dedicated to making the season a success. Last year’s near-miss in the NVF Cup remains a motivating factor, we went to the fifth set and lost.
“That defeat is still fresh, so we will do much better this time. The hope is to qualify for VNL, and I believe we will,” he said.
Blaze Volleyball Club captain Sokana Kanyumara said her team is determined to use the NVF Cup as a springboard.
“This is not the first time we are in this position. In 2023, we were KVA champions and entered the VNL, but were relegated. Our aim now is to fight and return to VNL next year. With the players we have, I’m confident we can push hard to achieve that,” she said.
Unam Vipers captain Mukwathi Owen echoed the competitive spirit.
“We are not just participating; we are going with a winning mentality. We are focused and ready to prove ourselves,” he said this week.
Pool A features Afrocats I, Coastal Warriors, Seagulls, Shining Stars, and Greenside, with Afrocats and Seagulls aiming to extend their dominance, while Coastal Warriors hope to cause upsets with their aggressive style.
In pool B, defending champions DTS face off against Vixens, Sharks, Blaze, and Keetmanshoop VC.
DTS remain the team to beat, but Blaze and Keetmanshoop are determined to make an impact.
The opening match between Seagulls and Shining Stars at 09h00 will set the tone for pool A, while DTS and Vixens open pool B on court 4, followed by Sharks vs Blaze.
Later in the day, Afrocats I vs Coastal Warriors could decide the top spot in pool A, and Vixens vs Blaze is expected to be the match of the evening in pool B.
The top-two teams from each pool will progress to the semi-finals, with winners advancing to Sunday’s final, while the runners-up contest the bronze medal match.
