WINDHOEK – The Welwitschias will not go to the upcoming CAR qualification tourney in Madagascar just to make up the numbers, says Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Rugby Union, Sybrand de Beer. They will rather be going with nothing but a win in mind.
Slated for the Madagascan capital Antananarivo this coming Saturday to July 6, the tourney that will serve as Africa’s final round of qualifying matches for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in London will feature Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and hosts Madagascar.
The winner of the tournament qualifies for next year’s World Cup, while the runner-up will qualify for the repechage playoff. De Beer expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall morale, saying their progress was very pleasing.
He added that Namibia’s recent impressive win over Western Province in a warm-up match played a huge role in lifting the team’s spirits.
He said although they succumbed in their second friendly against the Vodacom Blue Bulls, the players and the whole technical team drew much inspiration from their fierce performances against premier South African sides.
De Beer however admitted it will not be an easy assignment for the Namibians but insisted the team’s level of fitness is top notch and they would do a great job.
Namibia will open their assault with a crucial encounter against Kenya on Saturday before taking on Zimbabwe in their second match on Wednesday (2 July). Their third and final match will be against hosts Madagascar next Sunday (6 July).
By Otniel Hembapu