The Windhoek High School (WHS) netball team left this week for Pretoria, South Africa, to compete in the annual Waterkloof Netball Festival.
WHS teacher Sune Verdoes tells The Namibian Sport that the school has built a strong, disciplined netball culture over the years, and the Waterkloof festival is one of the highlights of their season.
“We look forward to it every year because it challenges us, stretches our abilities, and gives us valuable exposure to top level South African schools.
“Our tactical identity is structured and defensively driven. We pride ourselves on a defensive unit that never gives up, regardless of the scoreline. Their pressure, persistence, and ability to force turnovers form the backbone of our game,” Verdoes says.
She says the team’s centre court is composed, confident, and not afraid to reset play to create better shooting opportunities. “This balance between patience and intensity is what makes us competitive.”
Verdoes says most of the girls have played together since last year, adding that continuity has strengthened their combinations, communication, and trust on court.
WHS will tour with four teams: U15A, U16A, U17A, and the U19A. “
Verdoes says she coaches the U19 team exclusively.
“Our captain, Hiturepi ‘Golden Girl’ Kahuikee, leads with maturity, calmness, and a strong work ethic. She sets the tone for discipline and unity, both on and off the court,” Verdoes stresses.
She says the team’s culture is built on accountability, respect, and a shared commitment to improvement.
“The girls support one another, celebrate each other’s strengths, and push each other to grow. Their mental resilience has improved tremendously since January, supported by psychological sessions that helped them manage pressure and maintain focus.
“Logistically, we are well prepared. We will be travelling by bus and staying at a hostel at Waterkloof. This structure ensures the girls are rested, nourished, and ready for the intensity of 11 games over four days,” Verdoes says.
She adds that preparation started early in January, with the team consistently working on skills development, fitness, structured play, and defensive discipline.
“The girls’ fitness levels are high, which directly supports their ability to stay composed in tight moments.”
She says psychological sessions were also incorporated to help the girls handle pressure, reset quickly after mistakes, and maintain confidence throughout long tournament days.
“My expectation is simple: give everything.”
The Waterkloof festival offers a tremendous amount of game time, Verdoes says.
“That is exactly what we need before our league continues for the rest of the year. I want the girls to push themselves, test new combinations, and measure where we still need to improve.”
She says winning is always a goal, but growth is the priority.
“This tournament is about sharpening our identity, strengthening our structures, and preparing for the season ahead.”
The teams travelled yesterday and will return on 1 April. Some of the U19 team players will remain at Keetmanshoop to participate in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.
The Waterkloof Festival attracts strong South African schools, offering a high intensity, competitive environment, making it one of the best platforms for Namibian teams to test themselves against top tier opposition.
Last year, the U14 struggled, the U15 performed average, however, the U17 and U19 did very well, winning several matches and losing only by narrow margins.
“That experience has motivated the players to work even harder this year. Team culture is a priority for us. On our off day, the pupils will visit Gold Reef City, which is always a highlight and a great bonding experience.”
CAPTAIN
WHS captain Kahuikee, who will also captain the Khomas U20 team for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, says: “I feel honoured to be chosen the captain.”
She says one can only be ready to execute the functions when they’re given such responsibilities, and that she will learn along the journey.
“There is usually no crowning of the winning teams. But we play a lot of games, competing against schools from all over South Africa.
“I am grateful for the challenge, competing against the best, and that playing 11 games will certainly give us the experience we need,” Kahuikee says.
As for the Khomas U20 netball team, Kahuikee expresses satisfaction with the team’s preparation for the past three weeks, as they worked on fitness level and agility.
“We really had amazing training sessions.”
READY TO LEAD … Windhoek High School captain Hiturepi ‘Golden Girl’ Kahuikee says she takes her role seriously. Photo: Contributed
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS … The WHS under-19 team, ready for action at the Waterkloof Netball Festival in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo: Contributed
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