Homecoming cheers for UAE Cup winners Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Debmarine Desert Jewels on Sunday received a warm welcome back home at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.  The national netball team won the inaugural United Arab Emirates (UAE) Netball Tournament after defeating Singapore 62–53 in the final on Saturday. The tournament, held in Singapore from 15 to 21 June 2025, saw Namibia dominate the group stage.  They beat Kenya 41–33, the UAE 69–48, and the Republic of Ireland 57–38, while drawing 49–49 in an earlier match against Singapore. Following the draw, team captain Anna Kasper called on the nation to back the team.  “To the fans, I just want to say thank you for the support. Keep supporting us. Keep believing in us because we are going to take the cup home,” she said. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated the team, saying their victory brought pride to the nation.  She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to professionalising sports and noted that the 2025/26 national budget prioritises investments in sports infrastructure. “Indeed, the victory of the national women’s netball team is a step in the right direction for sports in our country. I reassure our champions that they have made the nation proud,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. Team coach Julene Meyer thanked all supporters and sponsors, especially Debmarine, for making the trip possible.  “It was a good tournament for us. There is still a lot of hard work ahead, but I am very happy with this young team and the way they carried themselves,” she said. Netball Namibia vice-president Conny Samaria presented a portrait of the team to Debmarine CEO Willy Martens as a gesture of appreciation.  “I have been in netball for 20 years, and for the first time I have seen a congratulatory message from the head of state, and it’s all because of you girls,” said Samaria. Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya said the team’s success reflects progress in the government’s goal of professionalising netball.  “Namibia’s world ranking is also improving because they are accumulating points by playing in these types of tournaments,” he said.

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Desert Jewels captain vows to win the UAE Cup Erasmus Shalihaxwe National netball team captain Anna Kasper has promised fans they will win and bring the United Arab Emirates Netball Cup home. Kasper made the commitment on Tuesday after Namibia drew 49-49 against Singapore Vandas in their second match of the tournament. Namibia had won their opening game 69-48 against Kenya.  Their third match is scheduled for today against Ireland, followed by their final group match against the United States of America on Saturday. Speaking after the draw with Singapore, Kasper said the team didn’t expect such a strong performance from their opponents but took valuable lessons from the game. “It is not the result we wanted, but yes… the other team also came prepared, and we will put this result behind and focus on the next game. With regards to Thursday’s game, we will focus on winning it by playing to our style,” said Kasper. She said the team aims to improve with each match and is focused on reaching the final and winning the tournament. Kasper thanked Namibian netball fans for their continued support, especially those watching the matches live on YouTube. “To the fans, I just want to say thank you, guys, for the support. Keep supporting us. Keep believing in us because we are going to take the cup home,” said Kasper. She added that fan support helps boost the team’s confidence and performance on the court.

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