The Namibia Rugby Union yesterday afternoon unveiled a 28-man squad set to compete in the Rugby Africa Cup in Kambala, Uganda. The tournament will feature Namibia, host Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe. It will commence on Saturday, and conclude on 28 July at the Mandela National Stadium.

According to the draws conducted by the Africa Rugby body, the eight teams will compete in a quarterfinal format. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals, followed by the final. 

Namibia’s first match in the tournament will be against Burkina Faso on Saturday at 10h00. Following that, Kenya will face Senegal at 12h00, Algeria will take on Côte d’Ivoire at 14h00 and Zimbabwe will clash with Uganda at 16h00.

The Namibian team, led by Allister Coetzee, will leave for Kambala today, and enters the competition after having played two preparatory matches. They faced the Vodacom Blue Bulls in a friendly match, which resulted in a 93-8 loss, and a Test match against Portugal last weekend, which ended in a 34-22 defeat. Both matches were held at the Dr Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.

Uganda Rugby Union president Godwin Kayangwe expressed excitement about hosting a significant event like the Rugby Africa Cup, which will bring together eight teams. “We have already stepped-up preparations to ensure the competition’s success. We are also very happy that the event will be hosted at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole,” he added.

Kayangwe emphasised the special nature of this event, as it also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Rugby Africa Cup last took place in 2022, and acted as a qualifier for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Namibia emerged victorious in the 2022 edition, defeating Kenya in the final to qualify for the World Cup, which was held in France.

The Namibian squad is as follows: 

Forwards: Jason Benade, Desiderius Sethie, Hershelle van Wyk, Obert Nortje, Armand Combrinck, Wikus Jakobs, Haitembu Shikufa, Ian Klitzke, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Diamando Tjombe, Ruan Ludick, Johan Retief, Minyoi Kistings, Peter Diergaardt, Max Katjijeko and Adriaan Booysen.

Backs: Jacques Theron, AJ Kearns, Denzo Bruwer,Lloyd Jacobs, Danco Bruwer, Alcino Issacs, Oela Blaauw, Nandi Karuuombe, Hilian Beukes, Quiren Madjiedt, Natie Rensberg and Jay Cee Nel. 

– lmupetami@nepc.com.na