Lock forward Tjiuee Uanivi recently established himself in the Namibian national team and will be playing his sixth test match against Russia on Saturday.
He made his international debut for Namibia against Germany eight months ago, and has since been a part of the national squad that went on a European tour at the end of last year and last month’s Nations Cup in Romania.
Uanivi could have made his debut much earlier, but a contract with French club Brive and a subsequent shoulder injury put him out of contention for a while.
In 2013 he represented the Namibian tertiary institutes team at the World Student Games in France, where he was spotted by Brive’s coach and offered a contract to join their academy team.
He took up the offer and has made a big impact since then. In his second season he was offered a professional contract with Brive’s first team and has since established himself as a first choice lock forward. This season he helped his team finish 10th in the French Top 14 division where he played against some of the world’s top players.
He, in fact, made his debut for Brive against the European champions Toulon in 2013, a match which still stands out as a highlight in his career.
“My highlight at Brive so far was probably playing my first game against Toulon at the end of 2013. Bakkies Botha didn’t play that day but most of their top players were in action including Johnny Wilkinson, who I had watched as a youngster when he won the 2003 World Cup for England so that was quite amazing,” he said.
It has been a long journey for the 24-year-old player who was born in Otjiwarongo and grew up in Windhoek.
The youngest of three children, Tjiuee grew up in a family that was more interested in soccer and excelled in it as well, as his cousin Pat-Nevin Uanivi is African Stars’ captain and the current NPL Player of the Season.
Tjiuee however discovered rugby at his school, Pionierspark Primary, and due to his length he played lock from the start. (He is currently two metres tall).
He didn’t play much rugby at Academia High School where he was more interested in soccer, but after school his interest in rugby picked up again and he joined United Rugby Club.
He started studying economics at Unam and played for United for two seasons before his trip to France came which changed his life.
Now he is preparing with the national squad for the most important journey of their lives, to the 2015 Rugby World Cup and he said it was great to be a part of it.
“It’s very exciting to be part of the team for the upcoming World Cup. The whole team is excited – there is a positive vibe to things and we are working really hard. There’s still a lot of hard work lying ahead but everybody is focused and we must just move forward from here,” he said.
One on One with Tjiuee Uanivi
When and where were you born?
Otjiwarongo, on 31 December 1990.
Schools attended:
Pionierspark Primary and Academia Secondary School.
Favourite team?
I don’t have a favourite rugby team but my favourite soccer team is Manchester United.
Favourite soccer player?
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Favourite ruby player?
Growing up I liked Victor Matfield.
Favourite food and drink?
Favourite music?
All types. I like European and South African House music, I like Hip Hop and any good music.
Favourite holiday destination?
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.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
