Gobabis Gymnasium take NAPSO cricket crown
Gobabis Gymnasium were crowned SPAR/Build It NAPSO Krieketfees champions for the second time after overcoming Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) in the final of the three-day school cricket festival.
The title decider brought the competition to a close after Gobabis and WAP emerged as the final two contenders, while Walvis Bay Private School (WBPS) and Edugate Akademie contested the third-place play-off.
For Gobabis player Josue Celliers, the triumph carried added significance as it marked his final NAPSO appearance.
“It means a lot to me to finish my last NAPSO game with a win, and doing it with my teammates makes it even more special,” Celliers said.
“I have made so many memories through NAPSO, and I could not have asked for a better way to say goodbye. Winning this trophy one last time with Gobabis Gymnasium is something I will always remember.”
Competition takes centre stage
The festival got underway on 26 August, with Gobabis Gymnasium, WAP, WBPS, Edugate Akademie and Tsumeb Gymnasium represented in the under-13 and under-19 boys’ trials.
The opening day was dedicated to selection, with players competing for places in the NAPSO teams.
Among the selectors was Tsumeb Gymnasium coach Fungayi Junior Hlupo, who said performances were assessed beyond cricketing ability alone.
“We are looking for boys who understand the game, but also show discipline, teamwork, commitment and the right attitude,” Hlupo said.
“Talent is important, but we want players who are willing to learn, support their teammates and give their best until the final ball.
“To those taking part in the trials, especially our Tsumeb players, believe in yourselves, enjoy the opportunity and give it everything you have.”
The girls were also given an opportunity to take to the field later that day, competing in mixed teams.
Attention shifted fully to the tournament on the second day, when WBPS, WAP, Gobabis Gymnasium and Edugate Akademie went head-to-head for places in the final-day matches.
Gobabis and WAP eventually advanced to the title decider, while WBPS and Edugate were left to battle for third place.
Gobabis ultimately came out on top to secure the championship and bring the 2026 edition of the NAPSO Krieketfees to a close.
