Namdia backs women’s rugby team
Namdia recently donated N$133 750 to the national women’s rugby team.
Iréne-Mari van der Walt
Before the Namibian women’s rugby team fell to the Zambian women’s rugby team on Saturday, Namdia pledged their support to the team, for better or for worse, with a donation of N$133 750.
Despite their 75 – 5 loss against Zambia, the team’s coach, CJ Kotze, said the team will take this experience in their stride.
“It was not all negative and we will definitely build on this eye-opening experience, going forward. A bit more effort can go a long way and I believe that if we give the girls some time to develop, we could invite Zambia for a much more competitive rematch,” says Kotze.
She thanked Namdia for their contribution toward the gear of the team. “Everyone deserves a fair chance. Namdia and the Namibia Rugby Union have done that,” said Kotze.
Corry Mensah, the president of the Namibia Rugby Union, commended Namdia for the steps they have taken in not only supporting rugby and sport as a whole, but also women.
“By sponsoring women’s rugby, Namdia is in full compliance with one of the most important provisions of our constitution,” he said citing the Namibian constitution’s provision that after historical discrimination, women must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Namdia did not wait of the constitution to tell them,” says Mensah.
Clarky McKay of Namdia said they had decided to end long-standing neglect. “This division has been neglected for too long now. This team will inspire other women to take up rugby,” he said.
He stated that Namdia pledged support to three pillars, namely sport, education and health. McKay hopes that the Namibian women’s rugby team will serve as a reminder for other women of their capabilities.
“We are proud of you. When we invest in women, they always come back to show us that it was money well spent. My hope is that you will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just in rugby,” he says.
Beverley Coussement, the public relations officer for Namdia, also expressed pride in the Namibian women’s rugby team.
“The Namdia Foundation remains committed to promoting sport in the country as it instils a culture of unity, discipline, commitment and hard work, which are traits that built a strong national identity,” she said.
Before the Namibian women’s rugby team fell to the Zambian women’s rugby team on Saturday, Namdia pledged their support to the team, for better or for worse, with a donation of N$133 750.
Despite their 75 – 5 loss against Zambia, the team’s coach, CJ Kotze, said the team will take this experience in their stride.
“It was not all negative and we will definitely build on this eye-opening experience, going forward. A bit more effort can go a long way and I believe that if we give the girls some time to develop, we could invite Zambia for a much more competitive rematch,” says Kotze.
She thanked Namdia for their contribution toward the gear of the team. “Everyone deserves a fair chance. Namdia and the Namibia Rugby Union have done that,” said Kotze.
Corry Mensah, the president of the Namibia Rugby Union, commended Namdia for the steps they have taken in not only supporting rugby and sport as a whole, but also women.
“By sponsoring women’s rugby, Namdia is in full compliance with one of the most important provisions of our constitution,” he said citing the Namibian constitution’s provision that after historical discrimination, women must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Namdia did not wait of the constitution to tell them,” says Mensah.
Clarky McKay of Namdia said they had decided to end long-standing neglect. “This division has been neglected for too long now. This team will inspire other women to take up rugby,” he said.
He stated that Namdia pledged support to three pillars, namely sport, education and health. McKay hopes that the Namibian women’s rugby team will serve as a reminder for other women of their capabilities.
“We are proud of you. When we invest in women, they always come back to show us that it was money well spent. My hope is that you will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just in rugby,” he says.
Beverley Coussement, the public relations officer for Namdia, also expressed pride in the Namibian women’s rugby team.
“The Namdia Foundation remains committed to promoting sport in the country as it instils a culture of unity, discipline, commitment and hard work, which are traits that built a strong national identity,” she said.
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