United looks to rebound from Derby defeat
Club rugby
FNB Kudus are also in a bullish mood ahead of their home match against FNB Grootfontein.
This Saturday, the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Premier League promises four exciting clashes with the semi-finals in sight.Second-placed FNB Wanderers, with 53 points from 12 games, aim to close the gap with leaders FNB Unam, who have 61 points from 13 games. With Unam off this weekend, Wanderers has an opportunity to gain ground while also handing a blow to the play-off hopes of their direct opponent on Saturday, Trustco United, who are currently fifth on the log.
On 27 April this year, Wanderers delivered a dominant performance (31-15) in the 69th annual derby against United at Gemsbok Park in Olympia.
This result has set the tone for another thrilling encounter between these rivals – this time in Pionierspark.
In other matches, seventh-placed FNB Western Suburbs will host eighth-placed FNB Rehoboth. Both teams will look to bounce back after defeats last weekend in a struggling season. The clash in Khomasdal promises to be fiercely contested as both sides strive to make up for lost pride.
FNB Kudus, comfortably in third place with 48 points, will face FNB Grootfontein, who are fourth with 32 points and were off last weekend.
Kudus coach Shaun White is confident in his squad's depth, noting: "Things are looking very good at Kudu Rugby Club. I have 58 quality players available, giving us some great selection head-aches.”
Key loose-forwards Joshua Jacobs and captain Cameron Langenhoven are fit to play, while Lloyd Jacobs and Justin Newman remain out.
Former Walvis Bay PHS captain and Namibia U20 nr. 8 Wynand Breytenbach, has returned from living and playing in South Africa to his home town and will be a boost to Kudus, while Mphatso Hillary Mwashi is a capped test forward for Zambia and is ready to make his club debut against Grootfontein.
White emphasized the focus on fine-tuning Kudus’ squad for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, sixth-placed FNB Reho Falcon, with 26 points, will face Simonis Storm Dolphins, who have just five points and have yet to secure a win.
Catch all the local sports action with Network Television (NTV). The derby between FNB Wanderers and Trustco United will be broadcast live on DStv channel 285 and on our digital channel https://oneuptwo.com/ntv from 15:15, with a comprehensive build-up to the match.