14 Jul 2025
Honouring Champions: Desert Jewels welcomed home in style after UAE Netball Cup Victory
The spirit of
Namibian excellence was on full display as Debmarine Namibia hosted a
celebratory luncheon in Windhoek to honour the spectacular achievement of the
senior national netball team, the
Debmarine Desert Jewels, following their golden victory at the UAE Netball Cup
2025.
Delivering the
keynote address, Mr Mertens expressed Debmarine Namibia’s continued commitment
to uplifting women’s sport, praising the Desert Jewels for inspiring the nation
and redefining what it means to represent Namibia at the highest level.
“We were committed
to ensuring that the Debmarine Desert Jewels improved tremendously on the world
ranking and made it to the top 15,” said Mertens. “Their gold medal does not
just belong to them; it belongs to Namibia. Our support will continue, as they
aim to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup in Sydney
2027.”
Since Debmarine
Namibia partnered with Netball Namibia in 2017, the team has soared in global
rankings from 34th to 18th, turning ambition into achievement and statistics
into stories of empowerment.
The celebration went
beyond medals, highlighting transformative journeys that symbolise hope and
opportunity:
- Monica Gomases and Zante Farmer: Former players who now run their own netball
academy, mentoring the next generation.
- Cornelia Mupenda: Studying on scholarship in South Africa,
recently graduated with a degree in public relations and communications.
- Mwale Mulenamaswe: Key player at the Singapore tournament, whose
leadership abroad echoed Namibia’s resilience.
- Eva Nanguloshi: Former player turned assistant coach,
exemplifying the power of long-term sports investment.
- Melitha Hunga and Loide Kanyolo: Stellar debutants at the UAE Cup, reflecting
the depth of local talent nurtured through sponsorship.
Head Coach Julene
Meyer shared her confidence in the team’s ability to push boundaries.
“We are still
awaiting the latest world rankings,” Meyer said. “But we’re laser-focused on
breaking into the top 13. The current senior players are carving a path for
future stars — and I believe Namibia has everything it takes to qualify for
both the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup.” She said.
NSC Chief
Administrator Freddy Mwiya added, “These girls gave a superb display in Dubai.
We at the Namibia Sport Commission will always assist and support where
possible.”
Netball Namibia
President Juanitha Witbeen echoed this belief, affirming the team’s ambition, “We
will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney. We are proud of our girls they
are climbing the world rankings and proving that Namibia belongs among the
elite.”
The event closed on
an uplifting note, with a renewed sense of national pride. The Desert Jewels
are no longer just athletes, they are ambassadors of brilliance, courage and
unity. As they set their sights on Sydney 2027, the nation stands behind them,
ready to cheer every step.
Debmarine Namibia
remains deeply proud of their journey, from diamonds to dreams and honoured to
stand alongside these trailblazing women.
Gallery
