NAMIBIAN netball captain Toetsie Kambatuku leaves for the United Kingdom today to play for Team Northumbria after receiving a three-year scholarship from Northumbria University.

It will be the third season that Kambatuku will represent Team Northumbria after making her debut in 2010, and continuing the following year.

Although her team did not do well, finishing second last in the league on both occasions, Kambatuku sufficiently impressed their technical staff to be offered the scholarship.

Kambatuku will enroll for a degree in education and in terms of the scholarship, all her study costs and living expenses will be covered by the University of Northumbria, while she will also receive a small allowance.

Joan Smit, the African representative of IFNA (International Federation of Netball Associations) said it was a great day for netball in Namibia, while Kambatuku's success would help inspire more Namibian players to reach the top.

"We are extremely grateful and very proud of Toetsie. Toetsie was identified three years ago when Northumbria were looking for a goal shooter. Since then, more African players from Botswana and Tanzania have been identified to go abroad so I strongly recommend our girls to work hard so that they, too, can reach the top," she said.

Kambatuku said it was a 'lifetime opportunity' and thanked Smit, the All Namibia Netball Association (ANNA) and her Namibian club Civics for their support.

"I'll do my best in England and will plough back the knowledge gained when I return," she said.

"It takes discipline and hard work to play abroad and one must be committed to reach the top," she added.

ANNA member Amanda de Jager congratulated Kambatuku on her achievement, saying she was a true ambassador for Namibia.

"Toetsie, we are very proud of you - you are always an ambassador for us and we love you. Everyone can look up to you, you are a true role model for our youth," she said.