National netball championship delivers

Schools netball
The championship was provided valuable opportunities for competition, talent identification and the continued development of the sport.
Staff Reporter
  • 7 Hours Ago

The 2026 national netball championship, held from 21–23 August, brought together schools from across Namibia to compete in the Super League and First League categories from Under 12 to Under 19.

The championship marked the culmination of the 2026 national schools netball season and showcased strong competition, talent development and regional representation.

Khomas Region dominated the championship, particularly in the Super League, where Khomas-based schools secured a significant number of the top positions across the age groups.


SUPER LEAGUE RESULTS

U19: 1 Windhoek Gym, 2 WHS, 3 Tsumeb Gym.

U17: 1 Windhoek Gym, 2 A. Shipena SSS, 3 Tsumeb Gym.

U16: 1 Windhoek Gym, 2 WHS.

U15: 1 WAP, 2 Windhoek Gym, 2 Walvis Bay Gym.

U14: 1 Roots Gym, 2 Windhoek Gym, 3 WAP.

U13: 1 Windhoek Gym, 2 WAP, 3 Elnatan.

U12: 1 Suiderhof PS, 2 Windhoek Gym, 3 Pro-Ed Akademie.


FIRST LEAGUE RESULTS

U19: 1 Tutaleni SSS, 2 HTS, 3 Mokganedi Thlabaleno High.

U17: 1 Onanghulo CS, 2 M&K Gertze, 3 WHS.

U16: 1 Windhoek Gym, 2 Mountview, 3 Collin Foundation.

U15: 1 OSSS Sangwali CS, 2 WHS.

U14: 1 Otjiwarongo SSS, 2 WHS, 3 Windhoek Gym.

U13: 1 St Barnabas, 2 Edugate, 3 Laerskool Walvisbaai.

U12: 1 Laerskool Walvisbaai, 2 Drimiopsis PS, 3 Vooruit PS.


Overall Performance

The results demonstrate the depth of schools netball in Namibia, with schools from different regions competing strongly for national honours.

Khomas was particularly impressive, with Windhoek Gymnasium, WHS, WAP, Walvis Bay Gym, Roots Gym and Suiderhof Primary School featuring prominently among the medal positions.

Windhoek Gym emerged as one of the most successful schools of the championship, winning the U19 Super League title and also securing top positions in several other age groups.

The First League also produced exciting match-ups, with schools such as Tutaleni SSS, Onanghulo CS, OSSS, Otjiwarongo SSS and St Barnabas claiming national titles in their respective age groups. This demonstrates the importance of the First League in providing competitive opportunities and developing young players outside the top division.

Overall, the championship was a fitting conclusion to the 2026 national schools netball season, providing an important platform for identifying emerging talent and strengthening the future of the sport.


Challenges and recommendations

One of the major challenges experienced during the 2026 National Netball Championship was the simultaneous running of the Super League and First League.

Managing two leagues at the same time, across different age groups, proved to be very demanding and made the execution and coordination of the playoffs particularly difficult.

For future championships, it is recommended that the Super League and First League be scheduled separately. This will allow the organising committee to manage the fixtures, officials, venues, transport and other logistical arrangements more effectively, ultimately contributing to a more successful and well-organised national championship.


Appreciation

The national netball committee, through chairperson Eben Ambondo, expressed its sincere appreciation to the Namibian School Sports Union (NSSU) for making the 2026 national netball championship possible and for its continued support towards the development of schools netball in Namibia.

Special appreciation also goes to Alexander Forbes for sponsoring prizes to the individual player of the match awards in every age group. Their contribution played an important role in supporting and motivating the young athletes who participated in the championship.

Overall, despite the challenges experienced, the championship was successfully concluded and provided valuable opportunities for competition, talent identification and the continued development of the sport.