• Sport

Keetmanshoop side ready for MTC VNL seventh round

• 16 Hours Ago

With the MTC Volleyball National League (VNL) headed into its penultimate round this weekend in Mariental, the local Keetmanshoop side is ready to put on a show for its home supporters.

Round seven will be held at Danie Joubert Combined School Courts, serving up a 10-game thriller tomorrow across the men’s and women’s divisions of the country’s top-tier volleyball league.

The league will ultimately culminate in the final round eight next month to be held at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund.

Saturday’s action will begin at 09:00 after the traditional parade and will see men’s sides battle it out on court A, alongside the women on court B.

Competing in the men’s section, Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility has had its ups and downs in the league since it served off in March in Windhoek. They currently occupy eighth place on the log, with three match victories and 15 sets won so far.



Aiming for top spots

Reflecting on their stance, player-coach Elia Paulus expressed pride in the fight his team has put up in the league so far, while acknowledging the room for improvement.

“The league has been highly competitive this season, with every game being a learning curve for us. I am confident we are on the right path with our ultimate goal to keep pushing up towards the top spots in the table,” he assured.

Headed into tomorrow’s clashes, Paulus noted strong spirits and determination amongst the players, as they await to undertake their next feat.

“We are really looking forward to it. Having a round hosted in Mariental, which is much closer to home, brings a different level of excitement. Playing in front of our home supporters, family and friends always adds that extra fire,” he remarked.

Paulus added: “The home crowd’s backing will set the perfect stage to show what we have been working on, as we finally get to connect with the people who back us no matter what. Their energy always pushes us to give that extra 10%.”



‘Let’s make it a weekend to remember’

Regarding preparations, Keetmanshoop’s captain admitted they have been intense, with the team working on coordination, tightening its defence and fine-tuning attack strategies.

“We have had enough time to reflect on past games and address areas of improvement. The squad is really focused heading into the round. I am mostly impressed with its high spirits and injury-free status. We are ready for the challenge and excited to put on a show for our fans.”

From the coach’s perspective, he extended gratitude to the players for their commitment and hunger to grow throughout the season, both on and off the court. As he looks to the league’s second last round, he urged his players to compete for every point and play for the pride of Keetmanshoop.

“I would like to invite all our fans to come out and support the team. Your presence truly makes a difference. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!”



Saturday’s action



Men’s fixtures



- Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility vs NDF Raptors [2]

- Mighty Gunners vs Afrocat C

- Nampol [3] vs Keetmanshoop Correctional Facility

- NDF Raptors vs Mighty Gunners

- Nampol vs Afrocat C



Women’s fixtures

- Kudos vs NDF Phoenixes

- Unam Queens vs Nampo Otjozondjupa

- Revivals [1] vs NDF Phoenixes [2]

- Kudos vs Nampol [3]

- Nampol Otjozondjupa vs Revivals

– mariud@nsh.com.na