Clock is ticking for Welwitschias prep against Blue Bulls and Portugal
Rugby
National rugby coach Allister Coetzee and his assistant Rohan Kitshoff has been conducting training sessions for members of the Windhoek Beer Welwitschias squad at Hage Geingob stadium since last week.Namibia is preparing for its first home test match since August 2018, with Portugal presenting a fierce challenge as an emerging rugby nation in the upcoming clash on 13 July.
Two weeks before that, the Namibians will have a warm-up “friendly” against the Vodacom Blue Bulls on 29 June.
Before last Wednesday’s session, with some focus given to defensive drills and body height in the tackle, Coetzee told his troops that he would have talks with the clubs to release players who had been called up for the Welwitschias training group.
“It will be mandatory for all players to be present at training sessions (on Mondays and Wednesdays).
"The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) will remunerate players attending the next six sessions and those selected to play the Blue Bulls.
“Players selected to represent the country against Portugal and at the Africa Cup tournament (in late July, hosted in Uganda) will also be paid. I am not expecting you to pitch for practice session and do duty without getting paid.”
Coetzee warned players that the Bulls will present a very physical challenge and that they will have to become stronger than they are now.
“Players have a responsibility to gym and condition themselves with Sergio de la Harpe (strength and conditioning coach). I am expecting players to be physically up to the task, so you will have to build up your strength.
“Portugal will be another step higher up, so let us keep this in mind. I know players are currently active playing club rugby and can handle it because they are used to it. You have been playing the same league for years now, so it is not something new.”
The head coach reminded the players that only six more training sessions remain before the match week leading up to the Blue Bulls match on 29 June.
“That does not leave us with much time. A player who expects to be selected for the Bulls game cannot afford to stay away or miss out."
Full-on commitment
Coetzee said he will have discussions with individual players.
“I have heard many excuses, but excuses it will not be good enough starting this week. We cannot continue this trend. A player will have to decide whether he will focus on studies and not play rugby this year. It is impossible to prepare a competitive squad without real commitment.”
Coetzee emphasised that the remaining sessions are of utmost importance and a must for players to attend.
“I need dedicated players and consistency. Namibian rugby is in for an unbelievable June and July. Starting with the Bulls, we all know how fanatic Namibians are about the team visiting us from South Africa and then we will square off against Portugal in a test match. After that the Africa Cup will follow. We have to put in some hard work now.”
Match tickets at early-bird prices for the matches against the Vodacom Blue Bulls on 29 June and Portugal on 13 July are already for sale at eticket.my.na/