Matheus names final national squads

International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)-certified instructor Joel Matheus, who serves as head coach of Namibia’s national volleyball programme, has officially named the country’s final national team squads.

The Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) national technical staff is led by Matheus, with Amanda Mureka serving as team manager.

The women’s team is headed by Mwita Sikopo, assisted by Natango Nambala, while the men’s team is coached by Mutasa Kudakwashe, with Marjatha Katondoka as assistant coach.

First time in a decade

The technical team has been working since Matheus’ appointment in September to revive the country’s national volleyball teams, which are being assembled for the first time in over a decade.

Preliminary squads of 27 women and 36 men were announced in November for a two-day baseline testing and training camp in Windhoek.

Players were scouted from the country’s top-tier competition, the MTC Volleyball National League, as well as its qualifiers, the Bank Windhoek NVF Cup.

A second selection saw the squads trimmed to 20 players later that month, before the final 18-player squads were confirmed on Monday evening following a final training camp held last month.

Men’s call-ups

Matheus’ final men’s squad includes Simon Ekandjo, David Nashongo, Teofilus Ndafenongo, Angula Wilbard, Tulipuye Haipa, Simson Haufiku, Patrick Matengu, Nehemia Andreas, Eliud Ndakenongo, Fillemon Erastus, Messah Kambala, Eliud Haufiku, Steven Kangandjera, Titus Nakale, Kamati Lazarus, Nangolo Fillipus, Thomas Nekongo and Kavetuna Uariependa.

Women’s call-ups

The women’s squad comprises Matheus Albertina, Naemi Amunyela, Frieda Iindongo, Pombili Haimbodi, Nancy Mushabati, Harris Lameesh, Shitalangaho Rauna, Rebekka Kandundu, Hilde Mushimba, Shaanika Julia, Meriam Mendos, Claudia Reiter, Simoia Kanyumara, Beatrix Karongee, Albertina Shilelo, Ashley Kazumba, Ligola Mushoko and Meameno Heita.

Matheus on selection

Speaking to Sport Wrap yesterday, Matheus addressed claims that some top players were left out of the final selection, noting that such views can be subjective.

“Somebody judged that this person is better than the other, but we have not only looked at a player today because we want to form a team that will build a system and culture,” he said.

Matheus acknowledged that the building process will take time.

“That’s why we also considered age to see who might stay in the team longer. For us to achieve [desired] results, we need to have good plans in place for the next three years,” he added.

Younger players were therefore prioritised as part of a long-term development approach, with a limited number of experienced players retained to guide and support them.

The technical team also emphasised that national team selection remains fluid, with players able to be added or dropped based on performance.

“We want to have a national team with players who can develop speed and agility, while improving their explosive jump, because the game is played above the net,” said Matheus.

Eyeing Olympic qualification

The national teams are targeting international competitions in June in Botswana and Zimbabwe, including a qualifier for the African pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games.

Matheus noted that funding remains a major challenge, limiting the number of training camps needed to build team chemistry, improve technical skills and enhance physical conditioning.

“Every challenge is not permanent. There’s a committee in place working on funding issues and looking at how we can improve support for the national team.

“With the new financial year, we also hope the government will come on board to support national team initiatives,” he said.

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