Rugby takes centre stage

Rugby takes centre stage this weekend with three matches in the Namibia Premier League in store. 

Log leaders FNB Kudus travel to Windhoek to take on FNB Unam, while FNB Wanderers host Trustco United in their annual derby.

In another match, bottom of the log Grootfontein travel to Rehoboth to take on fourht-placed Rehoboth Rugby Club. 

Although its still early days, the title race is interestingly poised with Kudus, United and Wanderers all setting the pace.

Kudus have taken the early lead and lead the log on 24 points, but United on 23 and Wanderers on 21 points both have a match in hand. Kudus take on a struggling Unam side which has only won one of its five matches to date, but they should not be underestimated on their home turf and Kudus will have to work hard if they hope to remain on top of the log. 

Wanderers and United are the only unbeaten teams left in the Premier League and Saturday’s derby between two of the form teams in the league this season will be highly anticipated. Although its still early days in the title race, the victor will gain a psychological advantage and bragging rights in the iconic derby which stretches back to the early Fifties. 

Fourth placed Rehoboth are now well behind the leaders on 16 points, and they will be aiming for maximum bonus points against Grootfontein to maintain their title challenge. 

The Women’s Rugby League is also interestingly poised with Wanderers, Unam and United the early pace setters. 

Wanderers lead the log on 20 points from five matches, but Unam on 19 and United on 18 points both have a match in hand and are breathing down Wanderers’ neck.

Wanderers host United on Saturday in a crucial match for both sides, especially since Unam are lurking in the wings and can go to the top of the log if they beat fourth-placed Kudus (13 points) at the Unam Stadium. 

In another match, Grootfontein, who are bottom of the log on 2 points, travel to Rehoboth who are second last on 4 points. 

Namibia Rugby Premier League 

Saturday, 10 June 

15h45: Wanderers v United, Wanderers

15h45: Unam v Kudus, Unam

15h45: Rehoboth v Grootfontein, Rehoboth 

Tura Magic hot favourites 

The FNB Women’s Premier League is nearing its conclusion with Rounds 28 and 29 to be held at various centres throughout Namibia. 

Tura Magic, who are not in action this weekend, are hot favourites to retain the title, having built up a 14-point lead over the chasing pack. They lead the log on 65 points from 24 matches, with Khomas Nampol and Girls & Goals trailing way back on 51 points each. 

Khomas Nampol cannot catch Tura Magic anymore, but Girls & Goals,who have three matches in hand, still have a matematical chance of winning the league. 

They have two tough away matches at the coast this weekend, against Arrows Ladies and Namib Daughters and will have to win both to keep their faint hopes alive of beating Tura Magic to the post. 

Khomas Nampol also travel to the coast to take on Arrows Ladies and Namib Daughters and even if they win both, they have too few matches remaining to catch Tura Magic. 

Fourth-placed Beauties, meanwhile, will start as the favourites when they take on Nust Babes on Saturday and V Power Angels on Sunday at the NFA Technical Centre, and a maximum points haul could see them moving up to second place on the log.

In other matches, Okahandja FC host V Power Angels and Nust Babes, while Ongwediva Queens host Omaheke Queens and Unam Bokkies.

FNB Women’s Super League 

Saturday, 10 June 

09h00: Beauties v Nust Babes, NFA Centre 

11h30: Arrows Ladies v Girls & Goals, NFA Centre 

14h00: Okahandja FC v V Power Angels, Nau-Aib Stadium 

14h00: Namib Daughters v Khomas Nampol, Mondesa Stadium 

14h00: Ongwediva Queens v Omaheke Queens, Uukwangula Stadium 

Sunday, 11 June 

09h00: Beauties v V Power Angels, NFA Centre 

10h00: Okahandja FC v Nust Babes, Nau-Aib Stadium 

10h00: Ongwediva Queens v Unam Bokkies, Uukwangula Stadium 

10h00: Namib Daughters v Girls & Goals, Mondesa Stadium 

11h30: Arrows Ladies v Khomas Nampol, NFA Centre 

Netball title race wide open 

The MTC Netball Premer League is being keenly contested with three teams at the top of the log on 16 points each. 

Namibia Correctional Services lead the log on goal difference from the defending champions Mighty Gunners and Namibian Navy, while Wanderers and Tigers are two points behind on 14 each. 

There are some interesting matches in store at the Patrick Iyambo College in Windhoek this weekend which could provide a shake-up in the title race. 

In a top-of-the-log clash on Saturday, NCS take on Namibian Navy, while Mighty Gunners take on Wanderers, and Tigers face Otjozondjupa Nampol.

On Sunday, Navy take on Afrocat Lions, NCSface Otjozondjupa Namol, and Gunners take on Tigers.

MTC Namibia Premier League

Saturday, 10 June 

14h00: Namibian Navy v Afrocat Lions, Patrick Iyambo College 

15h30: Otjozondjupa Nampol v NCS, Patrick Iyambo College 

17h00: Tigers v Mighty Gunners, Patrick Iyambo College 

Sunday, 11 June 

09h00: NCS v Namibian Navy, Patrick Iyambo College 

10h30: Tigers v Otjozondjupa Nampol, Patrick Iyambo College 

12h00: Wanderers v Mighty Gunners, Patrick Iyambo College 

Karnataka take the lead 

The Namibian Eagles and the visiting Indian state side Karnataka complete their cricket series with the final two matches this weekend. 

Karnataka took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series after beating Namibia by nine wickets on Wednesday. 

They also won the opening match by nine wickets, while Namibia bounced back with a five-wicket win in the second match. 

Karnataka’s top order batsmen have been in great form with LR Chethan and Nikin Jose both scoring centuries on Wednesday, but Namibia have some big hitters as well in the likes of Nico Davin, Michael van Lingen and Gerhard Erasmus and two exciting matches on Friday and Sunday could be in store at Trustco United Park. 

Castle Lite Cricket Series

Friday, 9 June

09h30: Namibia v Karnataka, Trustco United Park 

Sunday, 11 June

09h30: Namibia v Karnataka, Trustco United Park 

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.