NRU U20 promises to make country proud in Zimbabwe

The under-20 men’s team of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has promised to make the country proud at the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy tournament, scheduled from 19 to 29 April in Harare, Zimbabwe.The team made the remarks yesterday when it was officially sent off and awarded national colours by Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya, ahead of their departure for Zimbabwe today.At the tournament, Namibia will take on three nations, including defending champions Kenya, Tunisia and host Zimbabwe.Newly appointed team coach Johan Zaayman yesterday assured the NSC that the team is committed and has set itself to make sure Namibia wins the trophy back.“We haven’t won this cup since 2018, but we are dedicated to making Namibia proud again. I can promise you that preparations started two months ago.“We really want to do well and come back [as winners] from this tournament. This is why everyone looks so serious today. We are playing a test match in three days’ time [against Zimbabwe] and we have been doing some mental work with the boys,” he said.Zaayman added that the team has been given a few rest days since last Thursday. “We gave them a little bit of time to go to their homes and say goodbye to their family and friends.”Team captain and number Ben Burger expressed pride in the team and echoed Zaayman’s sentiments of the team’s dedication to make the country proud.“The boys have taken the time to train so hard. We are going to work so hard every second we are on the field. It’s our job to make you guys proud, so we are going to do the job to the best of our abilities,” he said.NRU vice-president Christie Windvogel also expressed confidence in the team. “I believe that the preparation this year is much better than in recent years. I believe in each and every one of you – the players, the coaching staff, management, everyone [to bring this one home],” he remarked.NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya assured the team that the country is rallying behind it for the competition.After their first match against Zimbabwe on Saturday, the Namibians will next take on Kenya on Wednesday, before their clash against Tunisia on 27 April at Old Hararians Sports Club.At a press conference on Tuesday, NRU director of rugby Jacques Burger pointed out that players in the U20 tournament could be on course to represent Namibia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia – provided the national team progress through the qualifiers awaiting in July in Kampala, Uganda.– mariud@nsh.com.na

NRU U20 promises to make country proud in Zimbabwe

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NRU U20 promises to make country proud in Zimbabwe

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