Kavango East Responds to Netball Namibia Statement on U-19 Team Selection
By TUW
The Kavango East Netball Association (KENA) has issued a formal response following an earlier statement by Netball Namibia regarding the selection of the preliminary Under-19 national team.
In its response dated 21 April 2026, KENA acknowledged the national body’s outlined selection process but maintained that significant concerns remain, particularly over the limited inclusion of players from the Kavango East Region.
The association noted that its reaction comes after Kavango East’s strong performance at the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, where the region emerged as champions. According to KENA, the team displayed consistent technical quality, tactical discipline, and physical readiness throughout the tournament, making the outcome of the national selection difficult to align with performances on the court.
KENA highlighted that only one player from the title-winning squad was selected, while a higher number of players were chosen from other regions. It further raised concern that some selected players were not regular starters during the competition, and that the Player of the Tournament was notably excluded from the squad.
The association warned that such decisions could create perceptions of regional imbalance, particularly disadvantaging players from outside Windhoek. It cautioned that this could erode confidence among players, parents, and schools in national development pathways.
KENA also revealed that it is already becoming increasingly difficult to convince schools and parents to release learners for national competitions , a trend that could impact participation in future tournaments, including the 2027 Newspaper Cup.
As part of its response, the association called on Netball Namibia to reconsider the exclusion of several players who have consistently demonstrated strong performances at national level. Among those mentioned were Ester M. Kapinga, Lydia Shipete, Annastacia M. Mungamba, and Sandrina M. Mukuve.
In addition, KENA urged the national federation to promote inclusivity by ensuring fair regional representation in both technical and administrative structures.
Despite its concerns, the association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, fair competition, and the continued development of netball across all regions of Namibia.
