By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – Former Welwitschias versatile lock and incumbent board member of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Wacca Kazombiaze has warned the Welwitschias of complacency ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Kenya in their opening match of the CAR Division-1A qualification tourney, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Kazombiaze called on the team to remain fully focused and not lose track of their objective of booking a place at next year’s world cup, when proceedings get underway in Antananarivo.
Following Namibia’s impressive showing in two recent friendly matches against South African outfits Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls, Kazombiaze was yesterday still very cautious of the way forward and insisted that Namibia’s ambitions of booking themselves a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England would remain a pipe dream unless the Welwitschias remain focused and strive to win all their fixtures.
The former English rugby Birmingham and Solihull stalwart said the Welwitschias should play an attacking game right from the outset and make sure they keep the Kenyans at bay as much as they can.
“Kenya is one of those teams that are very strong in most departments of their game, so we must try to carry the ball as much as we can and capitalize with every opportunity. The likes of Kenya and Zimbabwe have tremendously improved over the years and they too want a place at next year’s world cup, so I would advise my boys to fully stick to their game plan, show character and remain focused for the entire minutes of all their matches without getting carried away by victories along the way,” said Kazombiaze
“But luckily we have a few experienced guys who have already played at that stage and know what is at stake here, so the young players must just come to the party and do our country proud, and I know they will. We have a well balanced team and good strong young players, so I’m not really that much worried but we have to be cautious,” added a confident Kazombiaze.
The tourney will serve as Africa’s final round of qualifying matches for the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) in London and feature Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and hosts Madagascar.
The winner of this tournament qualifies for next year’s world cup, while the runner-up will qualify for the repechage playoff.
Namibia will open their assault with the crucial encounter against Kenya on Saturday before taking on Zimbabwe in their second match on Wednesday (2 July). Their third and final match will be against hosts Madagascar on Sunday 6 July.