Maurice Kambukwe
Namibia’s U/20 rugby team head coach Chrysander Botha is resolute his charges are well prepared and in top shape to perfectly execute their game plan against Kenya in today’s Barthes Cup semi-final clash in Nairobi.
Botha said he was particularly impressed with the positive spirit in the camp, saying the boys are all eager to go out and make the country proud, and hopefully reach the final.
“Kenya is a very physical side and they look after the ball really well when in attack. Therefore, we will have to be at our best in defence. We will have to put their skills under pressure by getting off the line quickly and closing their space, and then completing our tackles as effectively as we can. We have our attack and defence structures in place; we just need to stick to the game plan and execute. I’m fully confident the boys will execute our plan perfectly,” he said.
Botha’s big plans are further bolstered by an injury-free team sheet, saying the fact that he currently has no injuries in the squad is a big advantage going into today’s crucial clash.
Namibia made it through to the semi-finals after thrashing Ivory Coast 63-0 in their opening match, while Kenya, on the other hand, booked their spot in the semis – thanks to a 54-20 win over Uganda.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s gaffer Motto Williams told Kenya Broadcast Corporation (KBC) his charges are ready to bring down Namibia and reach the final.
“We are ready – no matter what. We are playing at home, and that means we represent over 50 million Kenyans – and that comes with some huge responsibilities, especially for the players. However, we have given them good guidance, and we expect them not to succumb to pressure against the Namibians,” said Williams.
The U/20 Barthes trophy is the Rugby Africa U/20 championship.
Teams compete on an annual basis, and the winners of the competition earn the right to represent the African continent at the World Rugby Junior Trophy.
The championship is named after Jean-Luc Barthes, who was the rugby services manager for Rugby Africa.
He passed on in 2016.
The tournament began in 2007 with Uganda as the host, which saw Namibia winning the title.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na