After a somewhat sluggish start to their Vodacom campaign, the FNB Welwitschias appear to have finally found their feet in the highly competitive South African provincial second tier rugby competition.
The much-improved FNB Welwitschias will host the visiting Falcons at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Friday before they complete their assignment with another home tie at the same venue against Leopards Rugby XV, a week later.
Coach Henry Kemp is optimistic about his team’s progress and believes his charges have shaken off the jitteriness of the opening matches that saw the Namibian amateurs handed hidings by their more illustrious opponents.
He says the team had worked very hard during the week prior to their last match, which culminated in Namibia’s first victory in the competition after seeing off Assupol Limpopo Blue Bulls.
“It’s a work in progress, we tried to sort out some minor issues in the tight phases and that approach helped us a lot during that particular match as it allowed us to enjoy the lion’s share of ball possession.
We will maintain our current system and encourage players to focus on the final two games because we want to finish on a high.”
Marketing Manager at FNB Namibia, Madri Frewer, praised the team, adding: “The Vodacom Cup provides the ideal preparation platform for the FNB Welwitschia team’s road to this year’s Rugby World Cup (IRB) and we remain committed to supporting local rugby.”
Despite dwindling crowds at the matches, which Frewer attributed to rain showers, she nevertheless expressed satisfaction that families and visitors who watched the matches were more than satisfied.
“The engagement we created at the event such as the Kick-for-Cash to win N$1 000 and the DJ that handed our rugby paraphernalia took watching the game to a greater level.
“If you’re in town on Friday – make a great family outing of it. We look forward to the last match on the 8th of May with an anticipated great crowd and massive support for the Welwitschias.”