Africa-Press – Namibia. Sport infrastructure development is not solely the responsibility of the government, Debmarine Namibia chief executive Willy Mertens recently said while revealing plans for the construction of an upscale netball court.
Mertens said this during a luncheon honouring and officially welcoming the Debmarine Desert Jewels to ‘The Land of the Brave’ last week after the team’s superb performance in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
In an exclusive interview with Desert FM last week, Debmarine Desert Jewels captain Anna Kaspar said: “ Netball has the potential to grow, especially in Namibia. We honestly need more investment.
“It’s time netball got the recognition it deserves, not just as a women’s sport or girl’s sport, but as a dynamic powerful game that builds and produces leaders and sport stars,” she said.
Kaspar said netball has not been taken seriously compared to other sport codes like soccer for the past few years.
“I plead with our government to please invest in sport. We need an ‘indoor’ netball court. Where we can play indoor netball? We need to train indoors, because when we travel outside the country, we use indoor netball facilities.
“We are used to the outdoors, and it is suffocating, as we have to adapt to the indoor environment.”
Executive director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Erastus Haitengela on the construction of the netball court said: “Engagement between Debmarine Namibia and the ministry are ongoing and progressing positively.
“Both parties share a common vision of investing in sport infrastructure to advance netball development in the country. Discussions are focused on aligning responsibilities, a timeline, and ensuring the successful delivery of the project in line with national development goals for sport.”
Haitengela said the construction will take place at the ministry’s premises at the Katutura Sport Complex in the capital.
“This location was identified as the most suitable site due to its accessibility, existing infrastructure and alignment with the ministry’s broader goal of revitalising sport facilities in historically underserved communities,” he said.
“An indoor netball facility is vital for the growth and professionalism of the sport in Namibia. With international netball now predominantly played indoors, having proper facilities is essential for hosting international events and enhancing player development, aligning local infrastructure with global standards.
“It also creates opportunities for multipurpose use and increased youth development,” he said.
“Debmarine Namibia has committed to fully sponsoring the construction of the indoor netball complex. The ministry, in turn, will support the project by facilitating access to land, covering utility costs once the facility is operational, and assigning security personnel to ensure proper upkeep and protection of the site.”
The director of sport, Jo-Ann Manuel, said she is extremely encouraged and excited to see a leading corporate entity like Debmarine Namibia investing directly in sport infrastructure.
“This partnership is a strong example of how the private sector can play a pivotal role in advancing national sport development. It demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering athletes, uplifting communities and leaving a lasting legacy through sport.”
Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya said the project started two years ago.
“I know it was just a matter of the land at Katutura that we had been struggling with.
“But I am happy that the ministry acquired land to support Debmarine Namibia. It is our fight with the ministry and external pressure affecting us, because the relocation of those at the facility has not yet taken place.
“We are happy that funding is kept. I must reiterate the importance of proper timelines, because you never know of any economic factors in future that hinder the project.”
Mwiya said it is important to always have timelines for the completion of any projects.
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