Mole Beach in Swakopmund came alive as the Bank Windhoek Open brought together 34 teams for two days of exciting beach volleyball action on Saturday, 1 August and Sunday, 2 August 2026, showcasing the depth, energy and rising promise of the sport in Namibia.
Presented in partnership with the Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF), Swakopmund Beach Academy and the Namibia Beach Volleyball Hub, the tournament featured the Women’s, Under 19 Boys’ and Men’s divisions, combining competitive action with youth development and community participation.
Despite cold winter conditions, the event attracted an estimated 700 to 1,200 spectators and completed 58 matches across four courts. It also provided valuable preparation for Namibian athletes ahead of the Zone 6 international tournament, which will take place from 6 to 8 August 2026 at the same venue.
The Women’s Division was one of the weekend’s strongest highlights, with several under-18 athletes reaching the semi-finals. Lameesh Harris and Albertina Mathew were crowned champions, followed by Pia Lück and Nadia Böhm, while Isabel von Wietersheim and Nora Rogl finished third.
In the U19 Boys’ Division, Robert Sinclair and Rene Steinkopf secured the title, with Charlie and Jeremiah finishing second and Iithete and Goroseb claiming third place.
The Men’s Division produced closely contested matches, underlining the growing competitiveness of the national game. Simeon Ndaxala and Teodor Thomas emerged as champions, ahead of Otto Nahambo and Petrus Petrus, with Jan Erik Sack and Sindano Shivute placing third.
Bank Windhoek’s Head of Strategic Communication and Social Impact, Bronwyn Moody, said the tournament reflects the Bank’s commitment to platforms that develop Namibian sport. “We are proud to support beach volleyball because it allows young athletes to compete, grow and represent the promise of Namibian sport. Events such as this show what is possible when partners work together to create pathways for excellence,” said Moody.
The NVF said the Bank Windhoek Open continues to strengthen the pathway from junior participation to senior and international competition. NVF Beach Volleyball Director Conrad Johannes thanked Bank Windhoek and all partners, saying: “When we work together, we can really put Namibia on the map.”
Moody concluded that Bank Windhoek remains committed to investing in initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, youth development, community participation and sporting excellence across Namibia.
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