From the sidelines : Go Namibia, go!

THE Namibian cricket team stands on the verge of reaching the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup, provided they beat the rigid Irish team which is also vying for the final spot, with matches starting today.

Namibia has in fact one foot in the final and a win in their matches over four days will prove that they are really serious about beating any other team in future. The Namibian side has over the years performed exceptionally well with especially young players compared to the bigger nations, which consistently rely on the wealth of their experienced big shots on the international scene.The Namibian cricket authorities have mastered the art of spotting talent, grooming players and perfectly laying the foundation to be able to compete at the top level.Despite Namibia not having One Day International (ODI) status yet, the players that have come through the ranks have been phenomenal and the bright signs could already be seen when the side qualified for their first ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003.Before and during that World Cup in South Africa, players such as opening batsman Danie ‘Mr Reliable’ Keulder, bowling supremo Rudi van Vuuren, the ever consistent Gavin Murgatroyd and wicket keeper Melt van Schoor led from the front.Their success in the game over the years has rubbed off favourably on the current crop of players such as Deon Kotze, Gerrie Snyman, Sarel Burger, JB Burger, Bjorn Kotze and current captain Louis Burger.These fine young players were some of the youngest at the world showpiece in South Africa and their performance was on par.Their general play and professionalism made them compare well with the big shots of world cricket such as Australia’s Ricky Ponting, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, India’s Sourav Ganguly, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and England’s Michael Vaughn.I remember Rudie Van Vuuren taking wicket after wicket of those world-renowned batsmen, while as a tail-ender, he whacked away a massive six to end a memorable tournament for the Namibians in their last match.Who will forget JB Burger’s hard-hitting shots that brought broad, proud smiles to the faces of thousands of Namibians who followed the matches at the event and the crisp leadership qualities that were displayed by Deon Kotze.Namibian bowler Burton van Rooyen was the youngest cricketer at the 2003 event and he had no choice but to face some of his idols on that stage, which he did with distinction.The Namibian technical team, which included team manager Francois Erasmus (who is now NCB president) and former coach Dougie Brown, did a great job in preparing the side for that tournament.From that tournament, the Namibian side has reached many milestones with a squad of players who were mostly under the age of 25 and they continue to do that.Now, some of the players who competed at that tournament will, together with the ones who have steadily been groomed into the side, have a chance to reach another monumental highlight in their careers.That highlight is to make it safe and sound into the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup by sweeping aside Ireland over the next four days.The home side can do the job because they will enjoy the support of their fans and the wicket at Wanderers has been favourable for them in many matches.The pitch is in excellent condition and all that remains is for the hosts is to go out there and destroy the Irish, who are also aiming for a historic win to sneak into the final spot.The home side owe it to themselves to make a breakthrough in this tournament by winning because they have trained hard for that.The message is clear: No losing at home and the supporters should come in numbers.The Namibian side has over the years performed exceptionally well with especially young players compared to the bigger nations, which consistently rely on the wealth of their experienced big shots on the international scene.The Namibian cricket authorities have mastered the art of spotting talent, grooming players and perfectly laying the foundation to be able to compete at the top level.Despite Namibia not having One Day International (ODI) status yet, the players that have come through the ranks have been phenomenal and the bright signs could already be seen when the side qualified for their first ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003.Before and during that World Cup in South Africa, players such as opening batsman Danie ‘Mr Reliable’ Keulder, bowling supremo Rudi van Vuuren, the ever consistent Gavin Murgatroyd and wicket keeper Melt van Schoor led from the front.Their success in the game over the years has rubbed off favourably on the current crop of players such as Deon Kotze, Gerrie Snyman, Sarel Burger, JB Burger, Bjorn Kotze and current captain Louis Burger.These fine young players were some of the youngest at the world showpiece in South Africa and their performance was on par.Their general play and professionalism made them compare well with the big shots of world cricket such as Australia’s Ricky Ponting, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, India’s Sourav Ganguly, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and England’s Michael Vaughn. I remember Rudie Van Vuuren taking wicket after wicket of those world-renowned batsmen, while as a tail-ender, he whacked away a massive six to end a memorable tournament for the Namibians in their last match.Who will forget JB Burger’s hard-hitting shots that brought broad, proud smiles to the faces of thousands of Namibians who followed the matches at the event and the crisp leadership qualities that were displayed by Deon Kotze.Namibian bowler Burton van Rooyen was the youngest cricketer at the 2003 event and he had no choice but to face some of his idols on that stage, which he did with distinction.The Namibian technical team, which included team manager Francois Erasmus (who is now NCB president) and former coach Dougie Brown, did a great job in preparing the side for that tournament.From that tournament, the Namibian side has reached many milestones with a squad of players who were mostly under the age of 25 and they continue to do that.Now, some of the players who competed at that tournament will, together with the ones who have steadily been groomed into the side, have a chance to reach another monumental highlight in their careers.That highlight is to make it safe and sound into the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup by sweeping aside Ireland over the next four days.The home side can do the job because they will enjoy the support of their fans and the wicket at Wanderers has been favourable for them in many matches.The pitch is in excellent condition and all that remains is for the hosts is to go out there and destroy the Irish, who are also aiming for a historic win to sneak into the final spot.The home side owe it to themselves to make a breakthrough in this tournament by winning because they have trained hard for that.The message is clear: No losing at home and the supporters should come in numbers.