The national women’s cricket team, affectionately known as the Capricorn Eagles, was officially sent off on Friday to compete in a series of matches in Europe. 

The Capricorn Eagles are on an eight-match international tournament, which will see them face Germany and the Netherlands. 

The fixtures begin today with a T20I tie against the Netherlands. They then play their second encounter on Tuesday, which will go on until Friday.

On Saturday, they will then turn their focus to Germany for a two-day event. 

While being sent off, Capricorn, the official sponsors of the Eagles, extended their sponsorship with another N$300 000 towards the team.

Speaking at the official send-off ceremony, Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller said it was indeed a positive move to extend the contract and sponsor the women’s team as they embark on their European tour.

“It is a great pleasure to have an organisation like Capricorn Group on board as an official partner of Cricket Namibia.  In 2021, Capricorn Group bought into the concept of promoting women’s cricket in Namibia. This partnership is another very positive step as part of the Capricorn Eagles’ continued growth and development,” said Muller.

Also speaking at the same event, Marlize Horn of the Capricorn Group expressed pride in the partnership with Cricket Namibia, whose leadership has demonstrated passion and commitment to cricket development over the years.

“We are excited to announce that Capricorn Group has this year increased its investment in the Capricorn Eagles to N$300 000, excluding a range of branded gear for the squad and other in-kind support that will be provided during the year for the girls’ cricket festivals and girls’ schools league.”

“Capricorn Group thrives in creating positive change in our communities, and hope that our continued support of women’s cricket in Namibia will nurture the sport and increase female participation. Since our partnership with the Capricorn Eagles started in June 2021, the team has made great strides in local and international tournaments. They fly the Namibian flag high wherever they go, and we are proud to be associated with these inspirational women,” she said.

Squad: Irene van Zyl (c), Yasmeen Khan (wk), Arrasta Diergardt, Kayleen Green, Sylvia Shihepo, Suné Wittmann, Adri van der Merwe, Mezerly Gorases, Edelle van Zyl, Victoria Hamunyela, Didi Foerster, Mekelaye Mwatile, Wilka Mwatile

Management: Francois van der Merwe (head coach), Gerhard Lotter (assistant coach), Hestelle Haccou (manager)