Julene Meyer, head coach of the Debmarine Desert Jewels, announced the final 12-player squad on Monday to represent Namibia at the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.
The tournament, running from 19 to 27 September, will feature 10 women’s teams competing for two qualification spots at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
South Africa and Uganda have already secured their World Cup berths through world rankings, leaving eight remaining nations to compete for the two available African qualifying spots.
Namibia has been drawn into Pool 1 alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Tanzania, while Pool 2 comprises Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Following a two-week training camp, the technical team selected 12 players to represent Namibia: Imbileni Frans, Monica Gomases, Elisia Hambongo, Loide Hanyanya, Elmarien Haoses, Melitta Hunga, Rejoice Kambonge, Loide Kanyolo, Louise Kausheue, Grace Matyayi, Mwale Mulenamaswe, and Cornelia Mupenda.
Matyayi expressed her delight at representing her country and called on Namibians to rally behind the Desert Jewels as they pursue qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
The Desert Jewels face a demanding challenge in Pool 1, where they will compete against some of Africa’s strongest netball nations.
With only two qualification places available, Namibia must deliver strong performances throughout the tournament to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
