The Namibian national team's outing in the recent 'Challenge' series in Malaysia signalled the close of Namibian cricket activity for the 1999/2000 season.

It was a controversial finish to the Namibians' season with tournament organisers 'requesting' the Africans agree to share the series trophy with finalists, Bangladesh.

"Given the fact that the run-rate information passed on to us prior to going into the final was incorrect, we felt hard done by the final outcome of the dispute. We do, however, except the final decision as the most appropriate under the circumstances," Namibia captain, Danie Keulder, said.

It was a series the Namibian team management had planned for during their own summer, competing in Division II of South Africa's Bowl competition.

"We put more emphasis on the one-day matches as preparation for the Malaysian tour," Keulder revealed.

"Our one day campaign was far more successful than the previous seasons. After beating Boland 'A' we lost all the others but with no more than 20 runs. Consistency in the batting backed up with solid fielding contributed heavily to improved performance."

According to Namibia Cricket Board official, Mr. Laurie Pieters, the Bowl campaign was also a chance to provide more experience to new talent.

The jewel, according to Mr. Pieters, in the Namibians' youth programme, is Burton van Rooy, the first non-white to play for a Namibian national team.

The 17 year old right arm fast medium bowler represented Namibia in last year's Under 19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Van Rooy, according to Mr. Pieters, is not likely to be joined by fellow non-whites in the immediate future.

"Unfortunately the majority are just not interested in cricket."

In the three-day section of the Bowl, Namibia lost matches against Western and Eastern Provinces, drawing the other three.

Keulder saw the three-day performance this way: "Our biggest plus was the fact that we had a very good new ball attack with young Bjorn Kotze and Sussex and England'A' pro, James Kirtley. They were well complemented with good spin bowling. One definite downside was our lack of a good solid first change bowler. Another big problem was the lack of building competitive first innings scores."

The Namibian domestic scene has expanded its base in recent seasons with leagues springing up in the western and northern regions supplementing the traditional base of Namibian cricket, the central region.

The Western Region, also known as Welwatschia, comprised the clubs of Walvis Bay, Norraville (Walvis Bay) and Dolphins of Swakopmund. The first round of the competition was won by Dolphins and the second by Walvis Bay.

The northern region consisted of Oshakat, Otjiwarongo and Groonfontein with this section won by Otjiwarongo.

While the growth of cricket in these regions is encouraging, the neucleus of club cricket in Namibia is based around Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

The five clubs compete in an early season Castle Night League, which was won last season by Wanderers which defeated Police in the final. TransNamib won the second stage of the season, involving United CC, Walvis Bay CC, as well as Wanderers and Police.

Keulder said a hurdle for Namibian cricket was the jump in standard from the local league to the Bowl.

Club cricket in Namibia is very much an amateur affair. Overseas players (at club level) receive support in the form of accommodation and transport.

Namibia usually includes one overseas player in its team for the UCB Bowl. This player receives a salary from the Namibian Cricket Board as well as accommodation and transport.

Due to the rebuilding policy, most players in the national side are students, although it also includes a financial manager, telecommunications manager and a policeman.

Keulder cited the following as impediments to improved cricket standards in Namibia:

"Firstly, demographics of Namibia is unfortunately so that we have to travel big distances in order to practice or to play. This makes it very difficult for anyone outside Windhoek to regularly attend practice.

Secondly, lack of facilities. A big problem especially in the areas far from Windhoek. Also lack of indoor facilities.

Lastly, in the off-season (April-September), Namibia goes through a time change. This means that it is already dark by 17:30. Because we are all amateurs and have to work for a living, by the time we get out of work it is already pitch dark. This is a big problem because we don't have any indoor facilities. This makes off-season training very hard. Nets on weekends and fitness in the weekdays."