Youthful WAP ready for high-flying WHS
Schools rugby
Autohaus Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) will tackle Samsung Windhoek High School (WHS) in a Standard Bank Namibia Secondary Schools Rugby (NSSR) under-19 premier league match on Saturday. The NTV broadcast team will bring the match live on its DStv channel, as well as on https://oneuptwo.com/ntv/
The previous clashes between the two teams have been closely contested and showcased the competitive nature of the two teams. WHS emerged victorious by 49-23 the last time the two teams met on 12 August 2023.
WAP is currently placed in fifth position on 15 points with one victory and two defeats from three games. They suffered a 22-17 defeat at the hands of PSG Pro-Ed Academy in their last match.
The coach of WAP, Johan Zaayman said the match against WHS will be a huge test for his youthful squad.
“We are going for the win. It is going to be a tough match. We lost some of our senior players, started to rebuild with young talent and made some good progress. We are well aware of the capabilities of our opponent. WHS is a well-groomed and well-equipped team. The results they recorded so far show that they are on form and a very competitive team. We appreciate what they are doing,”
Zaayman confirmed that Nico van Staden (flank) injured his shoulder and will be out of action.
“A couple of our players have recovered from injuries. Our aim is to get into the semi-final round and then anything is possible. To do this we need to be on top of our game in our remaining matches.”
WHS, who shared the 2023 title with Windhoek Gymnasium (the two sides played to a 24-24 draw in the final), is still undefeated and placed in second position with 27 points from three matches. They defeated Moria 46-19 at the WHS Vegkop Stadium.
According to WHS head coach Jan Dames, preparations for the match against WAP has been going well.
“We do not have any injuries and are looking forward to a good game. WAP is always a tough team and we know that we can expect a surprise or two from them.”
Dames said their aim is to secure a spot in the final. “We would like to and will try very hard to maintain our unbeaten run. We have a well-balanced team with a capable backline and forwards. The players know one other, they always give their best and we create opportunities for everybody in the team.”
He encouraged both teams to go out and enjoy the game.
Other fixtures
Saturday: OK Moria takes on Compack Tsumeb Gymnasium in Outjo; PSG Walvis Bay Private High School will host Elnatan in Walvis Bay, on Saturday.
The coastal derby involving PSG Walvis Bay and Pro-Ed Academy will take place on Wednesday 31 July in Walvis Bay.