Welwitschias eye EP Kings’ scalp

Against the EP Kings, which will take place at the Hage Geingob Stadium tomorrow afternoon, as one to win.
Victory would be the first for the home side, who have lost all three of their previous matches in the Currie Cup qualifiers.
“We are looking forward to this weekend’s game and see this as a must win,” Welwitschias coach John Williams told Namibian Sun yesterday.
The Welwitschias are currently at the bottom of the log standing of the South African competition as the largely amateur players struggle to keep up with their professional opponents.
Williams explains that this was always expected because of the difference in class.
“We knew that it was going to be a tough competition and have to take into consideration that we played three of the best teams in South Africa.
“Some of the players are new in the competition but we see this as a game that we can win.”
The coach added that taking part in Currie Cup was never about winning the competition but helping the local players grow.
“But the thing that we set on to do was always about capacity and getting the numbers right.
“There are a few players that are coming through and getting used to the system and the game plan.
“So although we are not satisfied with the results, there are positives and week by week we work on them and get better.”
The team sees several changes from the one that played the Sharks in Durban last weekend with players such as Phillip Nashikako, Petrie Burger, and Justin Nel being drafted into the side.
This has been necessitated by injuries and work commitments of some of the regular players.
“There are a few new players in the team because some of the guys are working and some injuries but we are trying not to change a lot so I see that it is going to be a good game.
“We see it as a must-win game and that is how we are going to approach it.”
Tickets for the match are available from Computicket or at the gates.
Fans are encouraged to wear wacky outfits as the Best Dressed Fan is in line to walk away with N$1 000 from Windhoek Draught. Supporters will also get a chance to test their kicking skills with another N$1 000 up for grabs in the FNB Kick For Cash competition.

Teams
Windhoek Draught Welwitschias XV: 1. Quintin Esterhuizen, 2. Gerhard Lotter, 3. Shaun du Preez, 4. Muniovita Kasiringua, 5. Ruan Ludick, 6. Rohan Kitshoff (captain), 7. Leneve Damens, 8. Roderiques Victor, 9. JC Winkler, 10. Shawn Kaizemi, 11. Philip Nashikako, 12. Darryl de La Harpe, 13. JC Greyling, 14. Johan Tromp and 15. Riaan van Zyl

Replacements: 16. Petrie Burger, 17. AJ de Klerk, 18. Joe Herman, 19. Zane Groenewald, 20. Arthur Bouwer, 21. Justin Nel and 22. Francois Wiese

EP Kings XV: 1. Liam Hendricks, 2. Warrick Venter, 3. Louis Albertse, 4. Mthetheli Fuzani, 5. Cornell Hess, 6. Stephanus Nieuwoudt, 7. Sintu Manjezi (captain), 8. Jacques Engelbrech, 9. Davron Cameron, 10. Simon Bolze, 11. Lindelwe Zungu, 12. Philippud du Plessis, 13. Somila Jho, 14. Athenkosi Mayinje and 15. Courtney Winnaar.

Replacements: 16. Jean-Pierre Jamieson, 17. Mzuvikile Sofisa, 18. Philip du Preez, 19. Stephan Zaayman, 20. Chuma Faas, 21. Siphumelele Msutwana, 22. Yaw Penxe.

KAINO NGHITONGO/HECTOR MAWONGA