The Welwitschias will take on South Africa’s Airlink Pumas in a friendly encounter at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek at 15h00 tomorrow. 

The match serves as crucial preparation ahead of the team’s Africa Cup campaign, which kicks off in Uganda next month.

The fixture comes just a week after the Welwitschias edged Uganda 22–19 in a tightly contested warm-up match in Walvis Bay. Despite the win, fly-half Jacques Theron noted that the team is still perfecting its combinations. 

“We’re still learning to play together, and there’s a lot to adjust as we prepare for the next match. But the progress is there,” he said.

Their next challenge, however, will be no walk in the park. The Airlink Pumas arrive in Namibia with a dominant reputation, having recently wrapped up the South African Cup series with a flawless run of eleven consecutive wins. They capped off their streak with a resounding 39–14 victory over Griquas in the final, showcasing their strength and depth.

Director of rugby, former Welwitschias captain Jacques Burger, reflecting on last weekend’s game, pointed out areas in need of improvement, particularly in discipline. “We gave away too many penalties, and it’s something we discussed before the match — how players respond when things don’t go our way. But it’s all part of the learning process,” he explained.

Following the Pumas fixture, the Welwitschias are set to host Italy on 27 June in what promises to be another high-level test before the continental showpiece.

The Welwitschias squad: Jason Benade, Armand Combrinck, Haitembu Shikufa, Oliver Kurz, Ruan Ludick, Prince !Gaoseb, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Andre VD Berg, Jurgen Meyer, Danco Burger, Alcino Isaacs, Danie VD Merve, Cliven Loubser

Substitutes: Otja Auala, Gerhard Thrion, Sidney Halupe, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Lutting, Peter Diergaardt, Joe Losper, AJ Kearns, Godwin Silvanus, Quirione Madjiedt, Sheron Roussow

The Airlink Pumas squad: Etienne Janeke, Stepahn de Jager, Dewald Maritz, Sampie Swiegers, Eduan Swart, Jan-Henning Campher, Darnell Osuagwu, Jeandre Leonard, Tiaan De Klerk, Miyelani Ngobeni, Heinz Bertram, Andre Fouche, Armand Maritz, Marvelous, Mashambyi, Willie Engelbrecht, Kwanda Dimaza

Ross Braude,Russwill Fredericks, Danrich Visagie, Wian van Niekerk, Carlton Banies, Jaycee Nel, Sango Xamlashe, Darren Adonis, Lundi Msenge, Stefan Coetzee and Tino Swanepoel. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na