Namibia Rugby Union presidentPetrie Theron yesterday unveiled exciting plans for the Welwitschias of Namibia, announcing a thrilling friendly match against the formidable Blue Bulls of South Africa, set for 29 June.
These eagerly-anticipated clashes that have been taking place since 2018, will see players participating on home soil, offering local fans the chance to witness their favourite
players in action.
This match also serves as a crucial stepping stone in preparation for Namibia’s senior national team’s upcoming test against Portugal on 13 July at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.
Theron said they want to nurture young talent. “This is the year to experiment and to build a solid foundation, going into the next year”.
While foreign-based talents remain in consideration, he underscored the importance of providing ample opportunities for local players to shine.
Addressing coaching dynamics, he acknowledged head coach Allister Coetzee’s invaluable expertise, confirming that his contract runs
until the end of this year.
He stressed that they will leverage Coetzee’s knowledge to elevate the capabilities of local coaches.
The impending clash with Portugal carries significant weight, with Theron highlighting their status as World Cup wonderkids.
At last year’s World Cup, the team achieved its first draw against Georgia, and which is also its first-ever win, beating Fiji. As it stands, Portugal is ranked 16th in the world, whereas Namibia is ranked 22nd.
“They will come with a full squad. They are a highly-ranked team, and playing them will give us an indication of where we are,” he said.
Beyond individual skill assessment, the matches against the Bulls and Portugal will offer insight into team dynamics and areas for refinement ahead of the Africa Cup in Uganda, slated just two weeks later.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na