Welwitschias must plan long term

Limba Mupetami
  • 2 Years Ago 18 September 2023
Namibia’s goal is to secure their first-ever win in the Rugby World Cup group stages, and they will be targeting Uruguay for that opportunity as all else failed so far.

Namibia face a unique challenge, because they’re in a difficult pool as we have all seen up until now.

It is true that we have so many problems in our country. But to have a team like this, coming from different backgrounds, different races and fighting for one goal. To try and win a match at the World Cup – that’s worth an applause.

Like the vast majority of Namibians, I’m happy that the Welwitschias are taking part at the Rugby World Cup.

However, what will it take for the team to win a match? At some point we need to really ask this question and explore ways on how to win.

I have seen that one common issue for second tier nations like Namibia is they don’t get enough opportunity to play highly competitive rugby.

Earlier this season, the local players were exposed to the Mzansi Challenge against provincial unions from South Africa, thanks to the vision and investment of the Namibia Breweries as main sponsor.

In its final warm-up match just before their departure to this World Cup, Namibia played the Vodacom Bulls in Windhoek. One has to wonder how much that really helped the team.

However, the three-match tour of South America boosted the players’ match readiness. But that’s about it.

I think to progress as a rugby nation, Namibia needs to focus on playing more competitive international matches, with highly rated countries, improve its club system, and ensure consistency in player selections.

I get it. The state of rugby in Namibia is complex, but it is also promising. There is vast potential. But there are several challenges that need to be addressed to fully harness this potential and very fast.

Namibia requires substantial resources. This includes long-term funding to invest in grassroots development, improved facilities, and player development structures. Not forgetting coach-education programmes.

But all these boils down to substantive funding. The problem is that there is never enough funding and this can be frustrating, given the country’s passion for the sport.

What’s encouraging to see is the willingness from former players and administrators to learn, improve and contribute.

The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) is eager to enhance their programmes and competitive abilities. Thus roping in the likes of former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, in cooperation with World Rugby.

The NRU should open up more to partnerships, collaborations, and knowledge-sharing opportunities with more established rugby nations.

I truly believe that with the right investments and support, we may see Namibia one day competing and winning on the international stage.

I think the players can achieve anything if they follow basics and work together as one.

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