WINDHOEK – Several netballers were left sobbing uncontrollably as the reality eventually sank in that they would not be on the long trip to Singapore.

The selectors of the All Namibia Netball Association (ANNA) finally broke the ice when they announced the final 12-member squad to represent Namibia at the prestigious international Six Nations Cup in Singapore in December this year.

As widely expected, the selectors have and rightly so, opted for youth and experience with the strong Khomas Region League once again well represented, with no less than eight players in the 15-member squad that includes three non-travelling substitutes.

The fast emerging Kavango Region is also in the mix with the trio of Penny Amupandi, Tanya Mupiri and Eveline Sikoka all in the final squad. 

Ester Uuwango is the sole representative from the Karas Region in the south, while Nadia Janse van Rensburg, Salome Swarts and Anna Kasper make up the Erongo list. 
Unfortunately, there is no place in the final squad for Civics’ utility defender Wency Katjatako. 

The highly-gifted Wency is currently sitting for her Master’s Degree in Marketing at the University of Cape Town and has been unable to attend trials on a regular basis as a result of insufficient funds.

It’s not crystal clear as to why Katjatako has been summarily omitted despite her proven pedigree – given the circumstances surrounding her sporadic appearances at the trials. The netball crazy student went out of her way to raise funds so that she could attend some of the training camps but was unable to pitch up for the final training camp, which proved to be the last straw on the camel’s back.

Ironically, Wanderers’ lanky goal attacker Dalene Botes has been included in the squad despite being a notable absentee during the decisive final training camp in Windhoek last weekend.

African Stars’ highly experienced centre Glenyth Kazonganga is another surprise omission at the expense of unproven centres in the squad.

The final squad including the three non- travelling members reads as follows:

Toetsie Kambatuku, Nalande Mostert, Eve Hamwaalwa, Delilah Keja, Yvonne Kotjipati, Golla Uahongora, Nadia Janse van Rensburg, Annah Kasper, Penny Amupandi, Tanya Mupiri, Eveline Sikoka, Ester Uuwango, Salome Swarts, Susan van Zyl and Dalena Botes. 

Coaches: Marcha Myburgh and Sunette Burden. 
Team Manager: Deseline Goroses. 
Chef de Mission: Alvira Peterson.

By Carlos Kambaekwa, New Era
25 October 2011