By Michael Uugwanga
Two renowned netball umpires/referees, Alberthina Amadhila and Ambrosius Eichab have been selected as the only Namibians to go and officiate at the Find the Ball netball tournament in Botswana , this coming weekend.
The Find the Ball Netball tournament is one of that country’s biggest netball tournament that is contested by that country’s top netball sides for top honours, at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Center in Gaborone, from July 17 to July 20, which will also feature 42 teams across three categories.
Amadhila holds a Africa C level netball umpiring qualification and is one of the leading umpires in the MTC Namibian Netball Premier League (NNPL), while Eichab holds Africa B-grade umpire qualifications and just like Amadhila, he is also a top umpire in the NNPL.
Ahead of their trip to Botswana to officiate, Confidente caught up with the two umpires as they share their excitements and inclusion in the Find the Ball netball tournament and what it means for them and the country at large.
“I was contacted directly by the organisers of the Find the Ball Tournament and invited me to officiate. Yes, this will be my first time officiating at the Find the Ball Tournament. I am eager to gain experience and contribute to the success of the tournament. It is both an honor and a great responsibility. Being one of the two Namibians selected is a reflection of my work and dedication. I see it as an important opportunity for professional growth, and I am committed to representing Namibia with integrity, fairness, and pride,” said Amadhila.
Eichab, who has already officiated at major international competitions, said that the opportunity to officiate at the tournament will help develop further his umpiring skills.
He added saying that this is an ideal opportunity to challenge himself as well.
I was invited by the tournament organizers to officiate at the Find the Ball Tournament.
When I received the invitation, I immediately looked up the tournament because I was not familiar with it. I quickly realized that it is one of Botswana’s prestigious netball tournaments, attracting some of the best teams from across the country.
It was both exciting and humbling to receive such an invitation.
Yes, this will be my first time officiating at the Find the Ball Tournament. I am looking forward to the experience and to challenging myself at a high-level competition while learning from other experienced officials and different style of play.
“I feel extremely happy, honored, and privileged to have been selected. It is a great achievement and a moment of pride to be one of only two Namibian umpires invited to officiate at such a prestigious tournament. To me, this invitation is about more than just umpiring matches.
It strengthens the relationship between the Botswana and Namibia netball federations and creates an opportunity for umpires from different backgrounds to learn from one another. I believe this experience will contribute greatly to my growth as an umpire, help develop my officiating skills further, and motivate me to continue striving for excellence,” said Eichab.
