Rundu: The Kavango East netball team returned to a hero's welcome in Rundu on Tuesday after securing their second Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup title, despite having to battle through the tournament with torn footwear. The team's head coach, Frans Ndara, during a welcoming event on Tuesday told Nampa the celebrations that echo through Rundu tell a story of victory, but behind the scenes the players fight unseen battles. According to Namibia Press Agency, the team crowned champions of the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup arrived at the Masivi roadblock around 08h00 before parading their trophy through the streets of Rundu. The celebrations culminated at the office of the governor, where Ndara revealed the dire conditions his players endured while preparing for the tournament. 'They play in worn-out, torn sneakers, shoes we sometimes have to hold together with glue just so they can step onto the court,' he said. The coach mentioned that several players used the same footwear from the previous year's tourn ament. He described the stress of maintaining equipment mid-competition. 'Some stepped onto the court with soles threatening to peel away mid-game, and we had to patch it up in hurried moments with adhesive and hope,' he said. Relief only arrived during the semi-final stage when Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu intervened to purchase new sneakers for three players. However, Ndara emphasised that the team's challenges extend well beyond footwear. He pointed to the regional netball facilities as a significant hurdle, noting that training sessions often take place on sandy courts or surfaces stripped to the bare floor with crooked poles. 'That is what we have, and that is how we train,' he said. Despite these obstacles, the team's performance has ignited pride across the region. On his part, Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka praised the team for lifting the region's name high. He said though unable to attend the matches in person, he followed their journey closely through media coverage . 'You have made us proud,' Hambyuka said, urging both team leadership and regional authorities to begin preparations early for next year's tournament. Among the standout performers, Martha Mununga walked away with both Player of the Tournament and Best Defender accolades, while Esther Kapinga claimed the Best Shooter award.