FNB Welwitschias geared for action

The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) last week announced a group of 32 players from which the FNB Welwitschias team will be selected for the upcoming seven matches in the Vodacom Cup. Since January a group of 55 players have trained to prepare themselves for the final practice match that took place on February 21. It is on the basis of that match that the final 32 players were selected. All players underwent a medical screening and a number of players could not be included in the group of 32 due to injury. These players are Nico Esterhuyzen (lock), Thinus du Plessis (loose forward), and Victor Rodrique (Giggs) (loose forward). Players who missed out on selection can rest assured that the group is not closed. Coaches can still select players who impress at club level during the Vodacom Cup period, the NRU promised. League matches will thus have added significance as “opportunities come quickly and those who are ready and take the opportunity will be rewarded,” NRU CEO Sybrand de Beer said. “The purpose of the Vodacom Cup is to give our local players game time at a high level in preparation for the RWC in September. “The competition also serves as an opportunity to develop our local players and those who stand out during the Vodacom Cup will give strong signals to national head coach Danie Vermeulen to be included in his team for the Nations Cup in June in Romania,” the administrator added. The Nations Cup serves as another chance to impress with those doing “well on this tour and fitting into the culture of the Namibian team then have a chance to prove themselves in August against the Vodacom Bulls, Kenya and Zimbabwe.” The NRU’s technical advisors, Phil Davies and Wayne Proctor from Wales, arrived last Monday and have been working with the coaching team and the players. They will return to the UK on March 20, which means they will be working with the team for almost four weeks, including the first two matches of the Vodacom Cup. The tournament kicks off this weekend with the FNB Welwitschias hosting the Golden Lions on Friday at 19:00 at the Hage Geingob Stadium. Entrance for the main stand costs N$60, open stand N$30 and schoolchildren pay N$10. Children not yet in school can enter free. FNB and the NRU guarantee an evening filled with excitement for the whole family. Among the attractions are a safe area for children, hospitality areas, crowd activation and halftime activities to engage the crowd. FNB Welwitschias team: Johnny Redelinghuys, Quintin Esterhuizen, Shaun du Preez, Andries Rossouw, Jaco Engels, Petrie Burger, DG Wiese, Niel van Vuuren, Rathony Becker, Max Katjiteko, Veva Kaura, Ulrich Engels, Stef Botha, Muniovita Kasiringua, Morton van Kradenburg, Morne Blom, Thomasau Forbes, Zanna Botes, Arthur Bouwer, Cameron Claasen, Eneil Buitendag, Shawn Kaizemi, Henrique Olivier, Jacques Nel, Darryl de la Harpe, Lesley Klim, Tuna Amutenya, Johann Tromp, Nandivatu Karuuombe, Phillip Nashikaku, Justin Nel and Russell van Wyk. WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER