NCS, Tigers meet in netball league finisher
• By Michael Uugwanga
THREE teams are heading into the final round of the MTC Namibian Netball Premier League (NNPL) with one team expected to lift the trophy at United Netball Ground in Windhoek, where the last matches will be held.
All eyes will be on the mouthwatering clash between top of the table team the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) against second placed club Tigers, while third placed team Mighty Gunners will take on second from bottom side, United 12.
The top three teams all collected maximum points over the past weekend at Ben van der Walt netball courts in Gobabis, with NCS emerging the biggest winners after thrashing Young Stars 63-24, Tigers beat Rebels 42-33, while Mighty Gunners destroyed Grootfontein Netball Club 55-25.
NCS are topping the MTC NNPL with 19 points from 10 matches followed by Tigers with 18 points, the same number of points as third placed team Mighty Gunners.
All NCS needs to do in order to win the title is to beat Tigers regardless the result between Mighty Gunners and United 12.
A draw could also be enough for NCS to win.
Speaking to Confidente Sport ahead of the clash, Tigers coach Morney Pienaar still thinks that his side can cause an upset against the log leaders.
“We are heading into the final match as the underdogs and we never underestimate any team. We are going to give NCS a run for their money as we did in 2019 in the Khomas Region Netball league when we finished second behind them to gain promotion to the MTC Namibian Netball Premier League.
“We will just be sticking to our game plan and stick to basics. We will need to be aggressive and have hunger and spirit and never to give up.
NCS is among the top four teams in the country, but the MTC cup is there for the taking.
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NCS coach Manuel Tjivera said that they will approach the final just like any other game.
He also said that his players will hit top gear when they take on their biggest arch-rivals.
“The girls are busy working hard in training. We will approach the game just like we have done in other matches. This time around we are going to perform much better than before.
As I have said before, our target was to finish second or third but to win the league title will be a big bonus,” he said.
Team manager of Mighty Gunners Desire Namases is confident that her team will overtake Tigers in second place.
“We are assured of second place because I do not see Tigers beating NCS. I know that miracles do happen but I just do not see Tigers winning,” said Namases.
The winning team of the league will pocket N$40 000 plus a trophy and medals, second place N$35 000 and third side N$25 000.
The bottom four teams, Dollar Stars, Golden Girls, United 12 and Rundu Chiefs will be officially relegated, while four regional teams will be promoted.