Witbeen leads Netball Namibia’s ambitious project

Juanitha Witbeen says becoming Netball Namibia’s substantive president is not about the position but making a difference to justify her election.

She was elected president during Saturday’s annual general meeting at Otjiwarongo, where she saw off competition from Seu Gowases for the top seat by nine votes to four.

The election was for the vacant presidency which Witbeen had assumed in an acting capacity following the exit of Rebekka Goagoses, who is now Africa Netball’s acting president, late last year.

Witbeen’s term of office will run alongside that of the existing executive board until 2027.

“Today is not about me, it is about every young girl that is out there that needs to take the court,” Witbeen said during her maiden speech as head of Netball Namibia.

“The dream we all have, that is what is our goal. It is our dedication that we stand, that I stand here today, that we have coaches, volunteers, community-based and powerful sport entities that we need to lift.”

The other executive board members are Conny Samaria, Seu Gowases, Esther Mbathera and Rauna Haulu, who are expected to drive netball’s ambition of professionalisation.

To that end, a key stakeholders workshop was held prior to the election at Otjiwarongo, looking at aligning structures and policies with legal framework.

“Netball Namibia has come a long way, but the journey is far from over. Together we continue to build a future where our players are not only celebrated of their talent, but empowered as leaders on and off the court,” Witbeen said of their mandate.

“I stand here ready to serve, to listen and to lead integrally, transparently and with a vision. We will focus on strengthening our grassroots development, increasing the possibilities and we need to look for sponsorship for us to be able to succeed all our plans that we are going to embark in,” she continued.

“To Netball Namibia executive, our regional bodies, our sponsors and all our players, supporters, I thank you for entrusting me to take up the space.

“The pathway that has been placed for me to be able to unite us passionately for the one goal that we stand here, which is Netball Namibia, for our girls and boys.”

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