Witbeen aims to grow the game of netball

Netball Namibia’s vice president of development, Juanita Witbeen, has urged players to participate in more local and international games in order to grow the game.

Witbeen took over the position on 12 June, following the resignation of Marvellous Khaebes-Ochar. Her term of office will run concurrently with the current board’s term.

Witbeen said netball's long-term growth will be achieved by improving performance, visibility and participation at all levels, both local and international.

"Netball in Namibia needs to become a thriving world-class sport. We established a solid foundation from which to build, but now we must bring netball to every girl child in the country."

She added: "However, due to a lack of financial support, the sport is currently dominated by the central part of the country."

Grow the sport

Witbooi said Namibia needs to introduce the fast five playing style and men's netball in order to align with World Netball and avoid falling behind when other countries are already doing so.

"It is definitely possible with the support of the board and regional executives," she said.

Witbeen is a former Blue Waters player and coached the team for the 2022 season.

She was also part of the Erongo regional team and chairperson, as well as a technical director. Before that, she chaired the Oshana regional team from 2016 to 2017. She has an Africa C-grading umpire licence and a pre-level coaching certificate.

"Being part of Netball Namibia means I can share all my experiences with not only one region but the country at large, and it's indeed an honour," she concluded.