The coach of the Kavango East Netball team that took first place at the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup says the girls persevered despite a number of challenges.

The streets of Rundu were filled with excitement on Tuesday morning as the Kavango East Netball team celebrated their victory after beating Omaheke 40–21 during the finals this past weekend.

A parade was held in honour of the winners, and various learners came out in numbers on the side of the road to congratulate the undefeated champions.

The netball stars won all six of their games in Outjo and said their toughest opponents were //Kharas and Erongo, while they wiped the floor with Hardap.

Frans Ndara said, “The easiest game was Hardap because those ones were not so tough. They are short, and their shooters are not sharp. They did not give us a good game  it was a walk in the park for us.”

The team's coach says that even though there is a lack of resources for athletes in the region, players still manage to come out on top.

“We had to struggle with tekkies. The girls did not have enough tekkies we only had five pairs. The rest of them could not get tekkies unless we dug into our pockets to buy second-hand tekkies. These young ones are not exposed most of them are from the village  so we need to get them exposed to various surfaces and places. Even if they go out and play, they know they are already exposed and do not have that fear to compete,” he added.

Ndara has been coaching the players, who are mostly from the village, for about four years now. He described them as passionate players who are able to persevere despite the difficulties.

“What I like about the girls is that they are so committed and dedicated to achieving what is put forth for them,” he said.

This is the second time the Kavango East Netball team is taking first place at this youth tournament.

Susana Karungu said, “If you want to participate in sport, please make your discipline nice and always use your mind.”

The team also took the opportunity to present their cup to the Kavango East Governor, who congratulated them on their victory.

“Thank you very much, you played very well. I was there I saw the first game when you started. I watched it and it was wonderful and well-prepared. Let's keep it up. I promised you when I sent you off I said, if you are going to get up to the final, what did I say? I will organise a dinner for you. You have won and made us proud,” Julius Hambyuka said.