WHS seals U/19 victory in dramatic fashion

The Capricorn Schools Netball League officially commenced on 17 May with the start of the first league matches in Windhoek and concluded with the national play-offs on 24 August.

This year, 85 teams from various regions of Namibia, including Khomas, Karas, Hardap, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Otjikoto, Omaheke and Erongo, participated in the league.

The teams competed for the coveted title in various age categories, ranging from under 12 to under 19.

In a nail-biting match held last weekend, the Windhoek High School (WHS) U/19 team faced off against their rivals, Windhoek Gymnasium’s Black Diamonds, in what turned out to be a thrilling contest.

The Capricorn Schools Netball League final was played under clear skies on the Windhoek Gymnasium home court and saw a dramatic shift in momentum.



Setting the tone

The first quarter set the tone for an intense battle, with Black Diamond's goal shooter, Jolan Polgar, executing the first goal of the match and taking an early lead.

Despite WHS's best efforts, they struggled to keep up with Windhoek Gymnasium's counter-pressing and sharp shooting.

The quarter ended with the Diamonds ahead, 10-5.

As the second quarter began, WHS tried to close the gap, but Gymnasium's solid defence and quick transitions proved difficult to overcome.

Shortly after, Gymnasium extended their lead to 17-9 by half-time, leaving WHS with a mountain to climb.

WHS made only one tactical change the entire match, swapping the wing attack, Kavetamunua Muharukua, with the centre, Marné du Toit.



Renewed determination

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as the school in blue returned to the court with renewed energy and determination.

They gelled well as a team and were consistent with their passing, which allowed them to narrow the gap, scoring 11 goals while restricting Gymnasium to just four.

By the end of the quarter, the score stood at a close 21-20 in favour of Windhoek Gymnasium.

In the last quarter, tensions rose as both teams fought hard for every point. WHS, fuelled by the blue school's support, continued their comeback.

With just seconds left on the clock, WHS netted the winning goal, securing a narrow 27-26 victory over the Black Diamonds.



Fighting spirit

In a post-match interview, WHS captain Hope Kazondovi shared her thoughts on the match: "We stayed motivated by keeping a positive mindset and keeping the fighting spirit high. We allowed ourselves to forget about the scoreboard and just stick to playing netball."

She also urged the team to dig deep and to remind themselves why they started playing for WHS in the first place: for the love of the sport.

WHS head coach Suné Verdoes said the crowd's support definitely helped boost the team's morale.

"The unwavering support from WHS helped to mentally encourage the girls to keep pushing to the end," she said.

Verdoes said the team's determination to keep on fighting till the end showed immense character.

"This character serves as an influence and inspiration to young netball players to never give up even if times get tough," she concluded.



Results



U/19

First: Windhoek High School

Second: Windhoek Gymnasium

Third: A. Shipena Secondary School



U/17

First: Windhoek Gymnasium

Second: Centaurus Secondary School

Third: M&K Gertze High School



U/15

First: Windhoek Gymnasium

Second: Windhoek High School

Third: Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool



U/14

First: Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool

Second: Windhoek Gymnasium

Third: Windhoek High School



U/13

First: Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool

Second: Tsumeb Gymnasium

Third: Windhoek Gymnasium



U/12

First: Windhoek Gymnasium

Second: Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool

Third: Pro-Ed Academy