Matheus names NVF's first national teams in 14 years

Volleyball
Mariud Ngula
  • 12 Hours Ago
Newly appointed national volleyball head coach Joel Matheus has named his first squads for a baseline test and training camp to be held in Windhoek from 15 to 16 November, ending a 14-year wait for national call-ups.

International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)-certified instructor Matheus was appointed by the Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) as head coach of the senior men’s and women’s teams for six months, effective 5 September.



Women’s squad

His initial call-up comprises a 27-player women’s roster, including Alushe Sakeus, Abegail Egumbo, Simonia Kunyamara, Claudia Reiter, Naemi Amunyela, Frieda Iindongo, Pombili Haimbodi, Nancy Mushabati, Rebekka Kandundu.

Elizabeth Kavenambutako, Tuwilika Ligola, Shaanika Julia, Shitalangaho Rauna, Mwinga Regina, Matheus Albertina, Beatrix Karongee, Helena Wilbard, Albertina Shilelo.

Hilma Iikukutu, Ashley Kazumba, Wayiti Sarah, Ngalandji Alina, Hilde Mushimba, Nokokure Kambatuku, Lameesh Harns, Julia Hasotuali and Meaneno Heita.



Men’s squad

The senior men’s squad includes 36 players: Stefanus Kangandjera, Kavetuna Uariependa, Shivute Sindano, Nekongo Thomas, Teofilus Ndafenongo, Simon Ekandjo, Nashongo Dave, Laban Festus, David Uushona, Kalyanga Given.

Patrick Matengu, Ignatius Ndemuweda, Fillemon Erastus, Eliud Haufiku, Tomas Shivute, Nehemia Andreas, Shindimba Richard, Rogerio Maliki, Ndana Bennito, Erwin Mwandingi.

Antipas Musongo, Eddy Hausiku, Haipa Tulipaye, Fransisco Anderson, Messah Kambala, Teanet Silishebo, Moriri Gorden, Eliud Ndakenongo, Nakale Titus, Angula Tangeni, Kamati Lazarus, Nangolo Fillipus, Asser Daniel, Simson Haufiku, Tobias Johannes and Thomas Teodor.



Selection process

The players were scouted from the country’s top-tier competition, the MTC Volleyball National League (VNL), as well as from its qualifiers in the Bank Windhoek NVF Cup (2023) and the just-concluded tournament.

Speaking to Sport Wrap yesterday, Matheus said the selection followed FIVB regulations.

“We did not have a platform for observation last season, but we had the season before and made selections of potential players then. Some of those players made it to the new list as well, having displayed consistency over the seasons,” he said.

Matheus added that the final list will be determined after the training camp and will consist of only 18 players between the two squads.

“Coming up with the first list was not easy, as volleyball has grown tremendously. There were countless and thorough deliberations. Some of the key aspects we looked at included height, as volleyball is a height-oriented sport,” he noted.

He said height was not the only factor, as players with strong technical skills and explosive power were also considered.

“We also looked at age to build a younger team going forward as a foundation for future investment. We also considered experienced players who display a strong understanding of the game,” he said.

Leadership qualities and mental readiness to perform at the highest level also played a role, Matheus added. He congratulated the selected players and said recommendations of deserving players who may have been overlooked are welcome.



'Help elevate volleyball'

NVF president Tobias Mwatelulo confirmed that it is the first time in 14 years that the federation has selected national teams.

“This is something we have all been waiting for. I am confident the teams are in good hands with the experienced Coach Matheus. He knows the Namibian system well as a former national player and medallist, and has coached in different countries, including Zambia and Botswana,” he said.

Mwatelulo also called on potential partners and sponsors to support the NVF and elevate the sport in the country.

“We were able to achieve this with support from the FIVB, but we also need assistance when it comes to funding the national teams’ logistics. With proper funding, volleyball can easily move up into a Category A sport in the country” he remarked.

– mariud@nsh.com.na