WINDHOEK – With sponsors still reluctant to come on board despite the good administrative progress and other major developments witnessed at the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) in recent times, Sybrand de Beer says the union will remain positive and do everything in its power to ensure Namibia partakes in the 2015 World Cup. De Beer, who is the NRU Chief Executive Officer, revealed to New Era Sport that the Welwitschias are scheduled to take on the South African U/20 squad in May this year, while negotiations are also still ongoing with two South African Currie Cup teams with the hope of them at least giving the national rugby fifteen two other preparatory games ahead of their World Cup qualifiers starting in June.
But with all those big ambitions and scheduled matches that would prove to be vital for the Welwitschias in their preparations if they happen to materialise, financial constraints remain the biggest obstacle for the NRU, but De Beer says he is positive sponsors will soon come on board as they have already approached a few who showed glimpses of interest in partnering with the union. “I have been in contact with a few companies, some have turned me down while some have shown interest but I’m still hopeful of the future.
The match against the South African U/20 team has been finalised and is set for May but regarding the two Currie Cup teams, we are still putting final touches to our negotiations but our initial plan is to have those two games played at least before end of June,” said De Beer. Regarding the Welwitschias participation in the World Cup qualifiers, De Beer said they have set aside a small amount of money that would enable the team’s smooth participation but said a kit sponsor and assistance in other areas were still much needed. Last year, Namibia gained promotion to the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Division 1-A after winning the CAR African Cup, which will now see them compete against the likes of Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Uganda and Madagascar amongst others for a spot at the 2015 rugby world showpiece.
By Otniel Hembapu