The Namibia Volleyball Association (NVA), in collaboration with Bank Windhoek, will host the first-ever national beach volleyball tournament at the coastal town of Swakopmund. 

The tournament will commence tomorrow and conclude on Sunday, with over 15 teams expected to compete for top honours.  It will feature both male and female teams showcasing their skills. 

According to NVA president, Hilary Imbuwa, this marks a significant moment in Namibian volleyball history as it is the first edition of such an event. He stated that previously, beach volleyball games were randomly hosted, but this tournament will bring together teams from all corners of Namibia.

“It’s a unique event. In the past, we mainly invited teams from Windhoek and Swakopmund, but this time it’s different as we expect teams from Zambezi, Kavango East, Oshana, and other parts of the country all coming to fight for top spot at this tournament,” he said.

Imbuwa said so far, a total of 17 teams in both the male and female categories have confirmed their participation, with expectations of more entries before the deadline. He added that they anticipate stiff competition given the diverse pool of players and teams attending the tournament.

“We anticipate intense competition with the diversity we’re likely to witness. While past tournaments mainly featured teams from Erongo and Khomas, this event will have a different feel, with teams traveling from the far north and southern regions. We expect a huge turnout from locals and have invited notable figures from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, such as the CEO and mayor,” he added. When asked about the main purpose of the tournament, Imbuwa said they are preparing for the Zone Six tournament in which Namibian players will compete with players from various countries in the region. “This tournament plays a crucial role in selecting potential players to represent Namibia at the zonal tournament. 

We have four editions of the national tournament lined up, with two to be held in Swakopmund and two in Windhoek and Rundu,” he added. 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na