Trust in what you contribute to your team – Manale

Walvis Bay-born former Blue Waters goal defence Roberta Manale may not have played at the highest international level, but she has gained valuable experience during her netball career.

Manale was first introduced to netball as a primary school pupil at Walvis Bay, before joining the acclaimed Blue Waters club and competing in the then Erongo Regional Netball League.

“My netball playing foundation was laid at Walvisbaai Laerskool, while still only seven years old. I enjoyed playing in any defensive position on the netball court but I thrived more in the goal defence role,” Manale says.

“High school netball also holds a special place for me. One of my proudest moments was being selected for the first team, the under-19 side, at Walvis Bay Private High School while I was only in Grade 7.”

She says while she conducted herself well at that level, being the youngest on the team was challenging – but ultimately rewarding.

“I pushed myself to grow quickly and playing for the Naartjies, which is the senior school’s team, was always an honour. Playing with and against older girls propelled my game and it didn’t come as a surprise when the junior national team coaches noticed me.

“My playing style was very tactical. My biggest strength was my vision, being able to read the game and anticipating movement. That allowed me to influence the game beyond just my position,” Manale says.

She travelled with the under-12 national team to Boksburg, South Africa, in 2015, where they played against South African provinces. The following year, the national under-13 team duties took her to Gaborone, Botswana.

“It was not only about playing at school level for me. When I grew a little older I got a taste of what club netball is all about. As fate would want it, I joined Eleven Arrows briefly in 2019. I would only stand-in when they were short on players,” Manale notes.

“My breakthrough year was in 2023 after I joined the mighty Blue Waters full-time. That was the moment I realised I had finally arrived on the Namibian netball scene. It was netball at its best because we were playing in the tough coastal league.”

For her there was no rest, as Manale also represented the Erongo region in several tournaments, including the Debmarine Cup and the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. The former defender was victorious in the Debmarine Cup in 2019.

In her own words, she found self-fulfilment when she had the opportunity to give back to her former high school by coaching the under-14 team in 2023.

But this does not mean she does not have regrets about her sport career.

“My biggest regret is stepping away from netball when I went to university. Netball was such a big part of who I am and in hindsight, I wish I had continued. I am happy with my achievements as a netball player. I took every opportunity I was presented with and never took it for granted,” she says.

A typical day for Manale begins with coffee and prayer, followed by her usual routine of studying and spending time with friends.

Like many athletes, the former defender credits several people who have influenced her playing career.

“My older sister was a big influence in my formative years,” she says. “I would always tag along to her practices, even before I started playing in primary school. A big role model of mine was former Silver Ferns player Maria Falou and my coaches, former Namibian national team star Emsie Oosthuizen and Salome Swarts.”

Asked about her toughest opponents, Manale quickly cites Windhoek Gymnasium locally and recalls the Malawian under-13 side giving them a tough challenge during a 2016 youth tournament.

“I had a remarkable netball career. My awareness of the game is what set me apart from the other players in my age group. I was able to read play and create flow, which later made my coaches think I’d be a good centre,” Manale says.

“Like I said earlier, I regret quitting the sport at an early age. I decided to prioritise my education and I am not as involved in the game anymore as I would have loved to be. I only play in a small indoor league when my schedule allows, but that is about it.”

She says although she doesn’t play competitive netball anymore, she still interacts with her high school teammates as they became good friends.

“The biggest thing I miss is the team environment, the bond you build with your teammates and the shared goal you are working towards. There is nothing quite like the energy on a court and just being part of something bigger than yourself,” she says.

The former goal defence may not have fulfilled her childhood dream of donning the colours of the Desert Jewels, Namibia’s senior national netball team, but she certainly knows what it takes to play at the highest level.

“If I could be accorded the opportunity to address today’s young netball players, I’ll tell them to really value every opportunity they get and not to take their time in the sport for granted. Always be yourself and trust in what you contribute to your team,” Manale says.

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