Haufiku, Mushimba claim VNL individual awards

Volleyball
The NCS and NamPol players received N$1 000 each after winning their respective Active Ace Sports-sponsored awards.
Tina Victor
  • 7 Hours Ago

Eliud Haufiku of Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) and Hilde Mushimba of NamPol (NPV) have described their Active Ace Sports Public Choice Awards as special career milestones.

They were voted the men’s and women’s winners, respectively, at the conclusion of the MTC Volleyball National League (VNL) last weekend, each receiving N$1 000.

Mushimba said the award demonstrated the support she enjoys beyond her immediate circle, motivating her to work harder as she prepares for the upcoming Zone Six Club Championships.

“The whole voting thing showed that I am loved at home and away. That definitely motivated me to push harder because it’s not only my house people that support me, but I have a huge family behind me,” she said.

The NamPol player described the season as demanding, requiring mental, physical and emotional preparation, particularly when dealing with pressure during matches.


Respecting opponents

She said NPV’s approach was to respect every opponent regardless of their position on the log, adding that every match and even individual sets had to be earned.

Mushimba also highlighted the challenge of balancing volleyball with school and work, saying she had learned to manage competing responsibilities while maintaining her fitness.

Her volleyball journey began informally with family before she joined organised training in 2015. She represented Namibia at under-13 level in 2016 and under-17 level in 2018 before returning to the sport more seriously in 2022 while in Otjiwarongo.

She subsequently joined the competitive volleyball scene in Khomas.

For Haufiku, the award was his first individual recognition in the league since he began playing volleyball in 2015. He dedicated it to his teammates, the fans who voted for him and his setter, Simon Ekandjo.

“As an attacker, I’m nothing without a setter. He [Ekandjo] made me,” Haufiku said.


Overcoming a difficult season

Haufiku said NCS endured a difficult season marked by injuries but overcame the setbacks through teamwork and belief.

Reflecting on the final stages of the competition, Haufiku said he struggled with match fitness during the seventh round but used the setback as motivation to prepare for the final match.

“Going into the game, I knew we were going to win, and it was all because of the belief I have in the team,” he said.

NCS finished atop the men’s standings with 39 points from 14 matches, recording 13 wins and one defeat to claim the N$40 000 first-place prize.

Namibian Defence Force Raptors finished second with 36 points and received N$30 000, while NPV completed the podium with 29 points to get N$10 000.

In the women’s league, NPV topped the standings with 42 points, walking away with N$40 000, ahead of runners-up Revivals on 36 points and a cash prize of N$30 000. Newly promoted Blaze Aces finished third with 23 points and received N$10 000.

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