Hilma Nalupe
Rugby made a triumphant return to northern Namibia this past weekend when Oshana Rugby Club hosted Grootfontein Rugby Club in a thrilling friendly at the Oshana Gymnasium Sports Field in Ongwediva this past weekend.
The match, played on Saturday, ended in a narrow 35-28 victory for the visiting Grootfontein side but marked a historic milestone for rugby in the region.
For Grootfontein, the match served as valuable preparation ahead of their away fixture against Unam Rugby Club this Saturday.
For Oshana Rugby Club, however, the game represented far more, as it was the long-awaited rebirth of rugby in the north. The newly formed club was established earlier this year with the mission of reviving the sport in a region where rugby activity had been dormant for years. The team brought together players with varying levels of experience, including several who were playing their very first structured match.
Despite the challenge of facing a seasoned opponent, Oshana put on a spirited display that electrified the crowd.
The match got off to a dream start for the home side because, in just the fifth minute, eighth man Saari Uugwanga stormed through the defence with a powerful 40-metrr run before setting up inside centre Vomembo Shihepo to score Oshana Rugby’s historic first try.
Although Grootfontein eventually used their experience and fitness to secure a narrow win, the result mattered less than the statement made by Oshana’s debut.
Reflecting on the occasion, Oshana Rugby Club captain Martinus Nekundi said“for someone from the north, this meant everything. Over the last few years, guys kept asking when we’d play again. To finally bring this moment to life – not just for me, but for everyone who loves the sport.”
For Herman Shimana, who made his rugby debut, the experience was unforgettable.
“A run I made with the ball, being aware of the collisions from the other team, put me in a focused zone that required strategic thinking, creativity and constant decision-making. It was mentally stimulating,” he said.
With community support growing and passion burning among players, Oshana Rugby Club has firmly planted the seed for rugby’s revival in northern Namibia, offering a new generation the chance to dream big and carry the sport forward.