Zambezi sets sights on Newspaper Cup

The Zambezi region has assembled a squad capable of claiming a maiden Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup netball title.

This year’s tournament will take place at Outjo in the Kunene region from 18 to 21 April.

To realise that dream, the north-easterners will go up against the three-time champions from the Khomas region, as well as the Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and //Kharas regions in Group A.

The netball cup awards the top players in the best player, best defender, best mid-court player and best shooter categories.

While the region has one title in the Newspaper Cup football section of the competition, Zambezi has struggled to challenge for honours in netball. However, they are determined to right the wrongs from their failed campaigns by upsetting the traditional top teams in the competition.

Speaking to Desert FM this week, Zambezi Netball Region chairperson Ria Ndozi said both their football and netball teams are excited and driven to put on top performances at this year’s Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup.

“I can tell you that this year, we are in full force and the other regions must wait for our arrival,” Ndozi said.

“The players have been in training since February this year. I am not only talking about the netball team, but equally our football players have also been in training for about the same time,” she said.

“Our players are very fit at the moment and are committed to the objective. Last year’s edition was a huge disappointment as most of our players suffered from fatigue and lack of endurance,” Ndozi said of their underwhelming showing at Gobabis in 2024.

“What we did this time around, we decided to have preparations very early in the year as both the netball and football team kicked off with training in earnest in February,” she revealed.

She said the netball trials were held at Katima Mulilo, where the final team was selected on 16 March and summarily submitted to Netball Namibia for verification.

“From last year’s experience we saw that fatigue was at play. Players played well during the first two quarters but lacked endurance during the last two quarters. That is why to prevent that, we decided to give them more game times and proper training, so that we don’t give any excuses at Outjo,” Ndozi said of their preparedness.

She applauded the Zambezi governor’s office for the unwavering support to the regional teams by providing food and financial support.

The chairperson also commended the regional sport office for assisting with transport and other challenges.

“We will depart on the 16 April. The reason for travelling earlier is to avoid things like fatigue and give the players enough time to rest the following day,” said Ndozi, adding that the region is ready to challenge the podium.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.