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Welwitschias to entertain Falcons in Vodacom on Independence Day
THE national rugby team, the Welwitschias, are hoping to incorporate their sche-duled Vodacom Cup match against the Falcons into their Independence Day celebrations this weekend.
Namibia Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Sackey Mouton told The Namibian Sport that negotiations were underway with the South African team to have the game double as part of Namibia’s 20th Independence anniversary. “We are awaiting confirmation from the Falcons about having this game as part of the celebrations,” said Mouton.
Although details of the exact events to go with the game have not yet been revealed, it is expected that the Welwitschias will ensure the party is not spoiled by the visiting Falcons, who won the competition in 2009, especially since the Falcons were comprehensively defeated by the Platinum Leopards 59-8 after conceding seven tries and a penalty try in their Vodacom Cup North section game played in Phokeng last Friday. The Leopards had beaten the Welwitschias 52–11 a fortnight ago.
Namibia enjoyed their best outing of their Vodacom Cup campaign on Saturday with a great performance that resulted in a narrow 27-29 loss at home to current champions Griquas. Welwitschias coach Johan Diergaardt described it as a good performance but said that his side had lost concentration at crucial periods of the game.
“It was a good performance and it shows we are getting there. The team is generally happy but disappointed that they did not go all the way and win it. We lost concentration sometimes but we know our potential so we just have to improve,” said Diergaardt.
Despite their statistical advantage, Diergaardt maintains that the Falcons may hold the trump card as they have former Welwitschias coach John Williams at the helm. Williams led Namibia to qualifying for the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup. “Every game has its own course. John Williams knows all my players so he will come up with a strategy to counter us.
But if we play to our full potential, make fewer mistakes and keep our concentration then I really believe we can win this match.” Namibia’s industrious fullback, Chrisander Botha, is ranked as the third highest point scorer of the current campaign, having amassed 37 points after three rounds of play.
Botha could yet prove to be the man to bank on against the Falcons. His coach has nothing but praise for his 22-year-old star player, whom he describes as special.
“Botha is a special type of player. He’s a talented rugby player. He’s only a youngster so I hope he stays disciplined and becomes one of the great rugby players of the country.
“He can achieve this if he stays humble and keeps his feet on the ground,” says Diergaardt.
