MTC has invested more than N$12 million in developing and professionalising Namibian netball since 2021, with its sponsorship of the Namibia Netball Premier League (NNPL) increasing to N$3.4 million annually in 2026.
In an exclusive interview with New Era, MTC’s Tim Ekandjo outlined the telecommunications company’s investment in the league, explaining that the sponsorship was motivated by a desire to uplift the sport, build a professional league, improve competitiveness among teams and introduce an appreciation model that incentivises players.
MTC’s structured sponsorship of Netball Namibia began in 2021 with the launch of the NNPL. The initial three-year sponsorship, valued at approximately N$4.8 million for 2021 to 2023, aimed to professionalise the sport and establish a national elite league.
In 2021, MTC made an initial three-year commitment of N$4.8 million. Following a successful inaugural season, annual sponsorship increased from N$1.4 million to N$1.9 million.
In 2023, annual sponsorship remained at N$1.9 million, before rising by 36% to N$2.5 million in 2024, supported by a renewed multi-year commitment.
In 2026, sponsorship was renewed at N$3.4 million annually to further professionalise the league, strengthen player welfare, and support league outreach programmes.
“Since 2021, MTC has invested more than N$12 million in developing and professionalising Namibian netball, supporting the growth of the league and creating opportunities for hundreds of athletes nationwide,” Ekandjo said.
The motivation was primarily to uplift the sport, look towards building a professional league, which will enhance the competitiveness of the game amongst the teams and pursue an appreciation model for the sport, by incentivising the players in the league with a minimum payment of N$1 200 per player in the league.
On the relationship between MTC’s investment in the domestic league and the success of the national senior team, the Desert Jewels, particularly following Namibia’s qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup, Ekandjo said the two were complementary.
“Complimentary, we can only achieve our full sporting potential if corporate Namibia engages in cooperative activities to drive the sport led support developmental agenda as part of a broader national sport support strategy and ecosystem. These efforts must not only be replicated with netball, but should be across the board,” he said.
Asked whether MTC plans to increase or expand its support for netball, both at league level and for the national team’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup, Ekandjo said the company cannot make any commitments at this stage.
“We cannot say at this stage, however, we view our relationship with the federation as one where a win-win can emerge on the basis of clear understanding and agreed upon goals,” he said.
Feeling the difference
One of the players in the league, Grace Matyayi, has welcomed the increased financial support from MTC, saying the monthly payments have provided meaningful assistance to players.
Matyayi said players received around N$600 per month for the past two years, but that amount was increased to N$1 200 this year, which she described as a positive development and a sign of growing support for athletes competing in the league.
“For the past two years, we were getting around N$600, and then this year it increased to N$1200. We are really getting the support and I hope with years it will get better,” Matyayi said.
She said the increase demonstrates MTC’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of players and expressed hope that the financial support will continue to grow as the league becomes more professional.” -lmupetami@nepc.com.na
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