Better ranking to follow
The Desert Jewels of Namibia are expecting an improved ranking after their performance in the just ended Six Nations Cup in Singapore.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
The Namibians entered the competition as underdogs but managed to out-class better ranked countries to lift the coveted trophy after defeating Singapore 49-42 in the final match on Saturday.
Namibia, ranked 33rd in the world, piled the pressure on world number 28 Singapore from the get go to force the hosts into a first quarter 11-10 lead.
In the second quarter Singapore flipped the script on the Jewels, leading 25-20 much to the excitement of their home fans.
Nerves and the reality that they might lose the match if they don't switch up started kicking in for Namibians who then in the third quarter fought for a 33-33 crucial draw.
The fourth quarter was a decider for the two countries as they fought tooth and nail to stay in the match.
The Jewels, under a lot of pressure, switched the match up and started providing long balls to their goal shooter Jaumbauaije Zauana, who didn't disappoint under the net with her excellent shooting.
Singapore, also with excellent shooters, tried to catch up but by the time the clock struck, the Namibians had taken the title.
The captain of the Desert Jewels, Diana Tjejamba, said the week was very tough for them and that they didn't expect Singapore to lead the second quarter.
“We had to fight for the third quarter draw.”
She thanked the host nation for a perfect tournament, as well as head coach Julene Meyer, the technical team for their direction as well as Debmarine Namibia for making it possible for them to take part in the competition.
Meyer said the players deserved the cup as they showed that it was their time to win something big.
Namibia had not taken part in the cup for the past seven years but with the sponsorship from Debmarine the Jewels could compete in the tournament.
Six countries were taking part in the competition, namely hosts Singapore, Namibia, Botswana, Ireland, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Namibia drew 54-54 against Singapore in their opening match. They then beat Ireland 52-31, Cook Islands 61- 46, PNG 59-47 and then Botswana 54-47 in the games which led up to the final.
The Jewels will receive a better ranking after this showing.
The Namibians entered the competition as underdogs but managed to out-class better ranked countries to lift the coveted trophy after defeating Singapore 49-42 in the final match on Saturday.
Namibia, ranked 33rd in the world, piled the pressure on world number 28 Singapore from the get go to force the hosts into a first quarter 11-10 lead.
In the second quarter Singapore flipped the script on the Jewels, leading 25-20 much to the excitement of their home fans.
Nerves and the reality that they might lose the match if they don't switch up started kicking in for Namibians who then in the third quarter fought for a 33-33 crucial draw.
The fourth quarter was a decider for the two countries as they fought tooth and nail to stay in the match.
The Jewels, under a lot of pressure, switched the match up and started providing long balls to their goal shooter Jaumbauaije Zauana, who didn't disappoint under the net with her excellent shooting.
Singapore, also with excellent shooters, tried to catch up but by the time the clock struck, the Namibians had taken the title.
The captain of the Desert Jewels, Diana Tjejamba, said the week was very tough for them and that they didn't expect Singapore to lead the second quarter.
“We had to fight for the third quarter draw.”
She thanked the host nation for a perfect tournament, as well as head coach Julene Meyer, the technical team for their direction as well as Debmarine Namibia for making it possible for them to take part in the competition.
Meyer said the players deserved the cup as they showed that it was their time to win something big.
Namibia had not taken part in the cup for the past seven years but with the sponsorship from Debmarine the Jewels could compete in the tournament.
Six countries were taking part in the competition, namely hosts Singapore, Namibia, Botswana, Ireland, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Namibia drew 54-54 against Singapore in their opening match. They then beat Ireland 52-31, Cook Islands 61- 46, PNG 59-47 and then Botswana 54-47 in the games which led up to the final.
The Jewels will receive a better ranking after this showing.
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