Namibia’s new national teams unveiled
Volleyball
Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) has officially named its national teams in the senior men’s and women’s sections for the first time in 14 years, following a baseline test and training camp last weekend.Held at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS) in the capital, the training camp comprised a 61-player contingent across both sections.
The players, selected from the MTC Volleyball National League and Bank Windhoek NVF Cup, underwent extensive training to assess their physical readiness, cohesion, and tactical suitability before final squads were named.
At the helm of the training was experienced national head coach Joel Matheus, a certified instructor by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
His technical team includes team manager Amanda Mureka, senior men’s head coach Mwita Sikopo with assistant coach Natango Nambala, and senior women’s head coach Mutasa Kudakwashe with assistant coach Marjatha Katondoka.
After thorough deliberation over the past few days, the national technical team finally named the following players for the senior national teams.
Official national teams
Senior men’s squad: Stefanus Kangandjera (Namibian Correctional Service - NCS), Kavetuna Uariependa (NDF Raptors), Teofilus Ndafenongo (Raptors), Simon Ekandjo (NCS), Nashongo Dave (NamPower), Patrick Matengu (NCS), Fillemon Erastus (Raptors), Eliud Haufiku (NCS), Nehemia Andreas (NamPower), Haipa Tulipaye (NamPower).
Messah Kambala (Nampol), Teanet Silishebo (Raptors), Eliud Ndakenongo (NCS), Nakale Titus (Mighty Gunners), Angula Tangeni (Nampol), Kamati Lazarus (Brutal Pact), Nangolo Fillipus (NCS), Asser Daniel (Raptors), Simson Haufiku (Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility), Nekongo Thomas (Unam Kings).
Senior women’s squad: Simonia Kanyumara (Kudos), Claudia Reiter (Revivals), Naemi Amunyela (Nampol), Frieda Iindongo (Revivals), Pombili Haimbodi (NCS), Nancy Mushabati (Nampol), Rebekka Kandundu (Nampol), Tuwiliki Ligola (NCS), Shaanika Julia (Coastal Warriors), Matheus Albertina (Nust).
Beatrix Karongee (Nampol), Albertina Shilelo (Kudos), Hilma Iikukutu (NDF Phoenixes), Ashley Kazumba (Blaze Aces), Wayiti Sarah (Revivals), Ngalandji Alina (Blaze Aces), Hilde Mushimba (Nampol), Nokokure Kambatuku (Revivals), Lameesh Harns (NCS), Meaneno Heita (Kudos).
Happy with selection
Reflecting on how the players handled the two-day training camp, Coach Matheus praised their fighting spirit.
“I liked how they came prepared to fight for a position on the national team. One could see that the discipline and focus were real. I was very impressed with how they all displayed good quality,” he told Sport Wrap yesterday.
Regarding narrowing the number down to 20 (an improvement from the earlier mentioned 18), Matheus admitted it was a hard decision that took countless hours of deliberation.
“We also had to consider that from the selected 20, we will do another selection as we would only need to field 14 for international competitions,” he said.
General fitness
He further reminded the selected players not to settle during the festive season but to continue working on their general fitness and readiness for next year.
“Volleyball is a competitive sport. We need players capable of enduring countless jumps explosively at the net for up to two hours, which is how long a game can last,” said Matheus.
NVF president Tobias Mwatelulo confirmed that the next training camp will be in February next year for over a week.
“We are planning training camps every second month and are currently arranging friendly matches with neighbouring countries, which all depend on funding availability,” he said.
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