Namibia Rugby Premier League table-toppers Grootfontein Rugby Club will this weekend attempt to maintain their solid lead when they square off against Wanderers on Saturday for their league clash.
Grootfontein are currently leading proceedings atop the league table with 11 points and are followed by Kudus in second place with eight points with Wanderers in third on six points. Western Suburbs are in fourth place also with six points.
With the top-four race towards the league title now starting to take shape, this weekend’s rounds of matches will prove crucial for Grootfontein as any slip up will make room for the trailing contenders to catch up with them.
But club skipper Wikus Jacobs yesterday said they are well prepared to further strengthen their stronghold on the league proceedings and come Saturday, Wanderers will face a stern test of character against them.
Jacobs added that although it is always difficult to play away from home against such a strong opponent, they have done their homework around all the offensive capabilities of Wanderers and they will hit them where it hurts the most this weekend.
“It’s always a challenge facing a strong side like Wanderers, because they are a physical team and have a variety of good players. Also, given the fact that they will be playing at home, that is something that we should be careful of as a team because they will be enjoying home ground advantage,” he said.
“We have no injuries going into this encounter, so I believe we have all good reasons to bring out the best performance against a tough Wanderers side.”
On the other hand, Wanderers head coach Rohan Kitshoff said although he recognises the dangers posed by Grootfontein heading into the weekend match, his charges will be ready to give the visitors a good run for their money and potentially curtail their dominance.
“We prepared well enough for this tough encounter. Grootfontein has proven over the last round of matches that they are a formidable side capable of upsetting any team in the league, so we will take it step by step and see how it goes. For us, this match will also be a motivation for our players to step their game up,” he said.
Elsewhere on Saturday, United will face Kudus at the Trustco United rugby turf, while Khomasdal outfit Western Suburbs take on Reho Falcon at Suburbs Park. Rehoboth Rugby Club will be squaring off against Unam at the university’s stadium.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na