Former Welwitschias fullback Chrysander Botha yesterday said the upcoming Dr Hage Geingob Cup tie between Namibia and the Griquas is crucial for players to cement their places in the national team.
The national team is set to face South African side Griquas on 5 November at the Hage Geingob stadium.
Botha, who is taking care of the men’s team before head coach Allister Coetzee lands, said the encounter will be of great importance in terms of build-up preparations towards the Rugby World Cup next year.
He said although the team will mainly comprise players who are plying their trade abroad, l o cal playe rs should utilise the Griquas clash as an opportunity to secure their places in the world cup team.
“The team that will compete against the Griquas will mostly comprise players from abroad who are expected to arrive in the country this Sunday. We also expect the head coach to arrive in the country from South Africa at the end of the week,” he said.
B o t h a n o t e d that this g ame is a great build up to the world cup and for players to gauge themselves against the best in the country.
In terms of readiness, he said the players have been doing strength training in the gym.
“You can never really tell when you are fully ready, but I think, for n o w , we just have t o continue working hard and do the basics. When the day comes, we will see how ready the team is.”
Namibia will also face Canada and Spain in more international tests in November, which Botha described as a good step in the right direction.
“Having to play such bigger countries in a test is all you need; we will have to utilise the opportunity and gauge our strength,” he said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na