Suiderhof hosts successful rugby festival

Schools rugby
With more than 300 players involved in three age groups, the ten-a-side format allowed for the development of young players’ skills.
Geneva de Jager
  • 5 Hours Ago

Suiderhof Primary School hosted its third consecutive DHL 10-a-side rugby Festival from 8 to 10 October, bringing together 21 teams from seven schools and one academy for 54 matches focused on grassroots sports development.

With 315 players involved in three age groups, the tournament could be counted among the biggest of the year for the next generation of enthusiastic barefoot rugby players.

The event was organized by Suiderhof head coach Wessel Witbooi and dubbed the ‘Champions Edition’ in honour of Suiderhof's outgoing Grade 7 players, who recently secured the NSSU National Reserve Rugby League title. Four of the five teams entered by the hosting school finished in medal positions.

The three-day festival at Suiderhof was fully funded by naming sponsor DHL Namibia.


Debut for Rehoboth Academy

For the first time ever, Awake The Champ Within Academy from Rehoboth, founded and coached by Sergè Loock, took part in a competitive tournament.

The academy consists of players assembled from different schools and were given an opportunity to live out their love for the sport. Both their U11 and U13 teams finished the tournament in medal positions.


Development at grassroots level

The organisers introduced a Plate Division alongside the standard Cup Division, which encouraged broader participation and recognised more athletes.

This tournament is held annually for development of rugby at grassroots level and fostering the love of the sport in the youngsters, said Witbooi.

“A tournament of this magnitude takes a lot of effort and planning, not to mention the major expenses that come with it, and for that I am very grateful to DHL Namibia, our naming sponsor, who covered all the expenses.

“To the participating teams, both local and travelling from out of town, thank you for taking part and making the tournament a success. Next year, we promise to go even bigger.’


Leading results

Under-11 Cup Division: 1 Walvis Bay Gymnasium, 2 Emma Hoogenhout, 3 Suiderhof.

U11 Plate Division: 1 Laerskool Walvisbaai, 2 Awake The Champ Within Academy, 3 Orban.

U12 Cup Division: 1 Suiderhof I, Pionierspark I; Orban I.

U12 Plate Division: 1 Laerskool Walvisbaai, 2 Orban II, 3 Pionierspark II.

U13 Cup Division: 1 Windhoek Gymnasium I, 2 Orban, 3 Awake The Champ Within Academy.

U13 Plate Division: 1 Suiderhof I, 2 Windhoek Gymnasium II, 3 Suiderhof II.

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