Namibian netball captain Cornelia Mupenda has agreed to a two-year deal with the Peninsula Waves, a club based in the Victorian Netball League. According to AllAfrica, the transfer is designed to enhance her skills as she gets ready to guide Namibia’s national side, the Desert Jewels, at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.
This transfer marks the end of a five-year stretch in South Africa, where Mupenda played for the University of Johannesburg (UJ). AllAfrica reported that she assisted UJ in claiming their first Varsity Netball championship, a win she viewed as the emotional conclusion of a pursuit that started in 2021. During her time there, she also took part in the Telkom Netball League and collaborated with various coaches and teammates, experiences she credited with shaping her growth both on and off the court.
Mupenda indicated that she sees the Australian opportunity as a way to push beyond her usual limits and refine her defensive abilities. She anticipates the 2027 season will be physically intense and tactically sharp, noting her desire to aid the Peninsula Waves’ progress while gaining fresh insights before the global event. Her departure comes after a busy 2026, during which she led the Desert Jewels at the African Netball Cup, earning the best defender award.
With the World Cup approaching, AllAfrica noted that Mupenda stated the Desert Jewels are aiming for a top-10 placement. She believes her Australian tenure will provide the requisite experience to challenge the sport’s top-ranked teams. Furthermore, she encouraged young Namibian athletes to persist with their goals, highlighting the value of discipline, humility, and academic success in securing scholarships and career paths.
The captain, who originated from Omaruru, called the new phase a realized dream. She underlined the role of education for emerging players, suggesting that strong grades can unlock opportunities for athletic advancement. As focus shifts to Sydney, Mupenda remains dedicated to utilizing her new setting to boost her defensive play and ready herself for the upcoming international contest.