Maqonda Ndlovu
Namibia’s 23-year-old flyhalf Denzo Bruwer says he hopes to learn as much as possible and improve his game during his stay at RC Lechia Gdańsk Rugby Club in Poland following his move three weeks ago.
Speaking to New Era Sport from his new base in Poland yesterday, Bruwer said his move is a bit overwhelming, but he is finding it easy to settle in because of the welcome he has received from his teammates and the people in general.
The young Namibian facilitated his move to Poland after compiling a sports CV, which included video footages of some matches that he had played before.
He sent this compilation to various clubs overseas online and got a response from RC Lechia Gdańsk, leading to him signing a three-year contract after negotiations.
RC Lechia Gdańsk is one of the oldest and most successful teams in Polish rugby.
“It is a big move for me, a young man from Rehoboth. Gdańsk is a big town compared to where I come from. But I think I will love it here,” he said.
The son of former eccentric Brave Warriors shot-stopper Denzil Bruwer has already played one match for his new club this past weekend against RC Gdynia, which they lost 31-21.
“The standard of rugby is high here. It was a good game, even though we lost. I contributed a few points to the team. We had a very good first half, leading 21-14, before ending up losing 31-21. We made a lot of mistakes on our side. Personally, there are a few decisions that I would turn around. I am satisfied with my performance on my debut,” he said.
The former national U/20 full-back says he is impressed with the standard of rugby in Poland, and this move will help him improve his rugby and make him a better player on his way to becoming a professional.
On the role his father, Denzil, plays in his life, Denzo says he has always been influential and supportive of him.
“I played football until seventh grade in Rehoboth; it was my life, and I enjoyed it. I got exposed to rugby at Windhoek Gymnasium because, at that time, they did not have a football team. I wanted to play football more than I wanted to play rugby. My dad never pressured me to play football; he just supported my decision,” he said.
Denzo said playing rugby at Gymnasium opened doors for him to get a three-year contract at the top South African franchise side, the Blue Bulls.
Unfortunately, he suffered a career-threatening injury that led to the cancellation of his contract at the Bulls, leading to his joining Trustco United before moving to FNB Wanderers, where he played until his move to Poland.
When asked for his views on the Welwitschias squad that was named on Monday by coach Allister Coetzee, Bruwer said he has ambitions to represent the squad and he anticipates they will perform well.
“It is a very good team of experienced and young players. It encourages me to work hard, and the next World Cup is a target for me; it is one of my dreams to go to the World Cup one day. All I need is to work hard and do my part so that the coaches select me,” he added.
Denzo, who has played once for the Welwitschias in the Mzansi Currie Cup, was also a top point scorer in the 2018 World Rugby U/20 with 59 points. –jrnmarko@gmail.com