A NAMIBIAN womens rugby squad of 23 players has been selected for the historic test against Zambia at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.
It will be the first official test for Namibia in the Africa Cup, which has already seen several teams competing on the continent.
This years series is the forerunner to next years tournament that will give African teams the opportunity to qualify for the Womens World 15s competition.
The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) in a press release said it will be a significant achievement for the development of womens rugby in Namibia.
“The creation of more opportunities for female players in Namibia will remain high on the agenda. In doing so it will inspire young girls to follow in the footsteps of the older generation. It will be the first time in seven years that our national womens team will be in action,” the press release said.
After trials were held on 15 October, a squad of 34 women was selected, which continued training under the guidance of coach CJ Kotze, who was supported by strength and conditioning coach Sergio de la Harpe, while Jood Opperman assisted with the different facets of forward play.
None of the players selected have represented Namibia before, meaning they will all make their national debuts against Zambia.
Unam have the most representatives in the squad with six, while five are from Rehoboth Rugby Club, four from Wanderers Rugby Club, three each from Okahandja Huskies and Grootfontein Rugby Club, and two from Kudus Rugby Club.
The NRU expressed its gratitude to Namdia, which is sponsoring the teams on- and off-field kit, and wished them well for the encounter which starts at 16h30.
The Namibian team is as follows:
Front row:
Faizal-Lee Tjivava (Kudus), Mandy Hansen and Elzane-Lee Basson (Unam), Rhevonne de Klerk (Okahandja Huskies), Lourencia Rooinasie (Wanderers), and Rene Tjiuorokisa (Grootfontein).
Second row:
Tammy Roodt (Kudus), Mandie van Staden (Wanderers), and Litisha Matheus (Unam).
Loose forwards:
Euodia Bassingthwaighte (Unam), Fulchen Bock (Grootfontein), Chevonne de Klerk (Okahandja Huskies), and Astrid van Lill (Wanderers).
Backs:
Merilees Govender (Unam), Leventine Boois and Alicia Gertze (Rehoboth), Gabriella Jahs (Grootfontein), Ellen Garoes (Rehoboth), Ndapanda Kakundi (Unam), Pione van Rooyen and Fiola Vliete (Rehoboth), Ida Visagie (Wanderers), and Roberta Fabio (Okahandja Huskies).
