• Rugby

Welwitschias and Cavaliers to cross swords

• 1 Month Ago 03 February 2025

Rugby fans are in for a treat and should book their spots early to see the Welwitschias strive to stake their claim against the visiting Boland Cavaliers.

The Namibians have a score to settle with the Western Cape side, while local players have a point to prove to the country and to rugby fans on Saturday 22 February at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.

The Cavaliers beat the Welwitschias 38-17 the last time they crossed paths in a Mzansi Challenge match at the Hage Geingob Stadium in March 2023.

Dirk van Zyl, the NIH director for Integration and Development, revealed: “Adding to the day’s excitement, two competitions will be held: Best Dressed Spectator and Halftime Score Prediction for the main game.

“Prizes include free accommodation vouchers sponsored by enjoy.my.na, with the winners to be announced during halftime. Spectators will receive details on how to enter these competitions at the venue.”

Rugby galore

Rugby fans can also whet their appetite early in the day with some local brewed rugby talent showcasing their truly Namibian flair in the MTC Regional 15s tournament curtain-raiser matches.

“We see the MTC Regional 15s competition as trials and a pathway to the national team. The best backline player, best forward and player of the match will each be rewarded, with a floating trophy up for grabs to the regional team that performs the best,” John Heynes, the CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), explained

“Team members are encouraged to showcase their skills to earn their place in the national side. The same applies to members of the Welwitschias squads that will be in action against the Boland Cavaliers and the Blue Bulls (in June).”

Sponsorship opportunity

Heyns highlighted that there is also an opportunity for companies to take ownership of the four regional teams.

“Ongos is already on board. The Coastal Samurais, Hardap, Khomas and Northern Force regional teams made up of the top local players in the country, will battle it out over three tournaments. The names of the teams and that of their coaches will be formally introduced to the public in due time.”

Heynes encouraged rugby fans to get to know their teams and the players, and to come up in numbers to support and enjoy the best of what Namibian rugby has to offer.

“The cherry on the cake will be the Welwitschias taking on the Boland Cavaliers. Tickets for the clashes are already available online and can be obtained from the eticket.my.na platform or at the gate,” he said.

The gates open at 09:00, allowing fans to get settled before the first whistle blows at 11:00.

Additional value

“For added convenience, the event will utilize AfriWallet, a cashless payment system that ensures quick and secure transactions.

A branded AfriWallet top-up station will be available on-site, where staff will assist attendees unfamiliar with the system, including those using QR codes, the WhatsApp-based Synergi chatbot, or the web application,” Van Zyl highlighted.

Tickets are priced at N$200 for grandstand seating and N$150 for general stand seating, with both ticket options including a N$50 AfriWallet top-up.

“This credit will be automatically linked to the phone number used to purchase the tickets. Tickets are available online at eticket.my.na and we encourage spectators to buy online to avoid long queues on the day,” Van Zyl explained.

For those seeking a premium experience, single suites are available for N$5 000 and double suites for N$10 000, accommodating 25 and 50 tickets respectively. These suites offer exclusive access to private bathrooms, though food and drinks are not included.

The event promises to be safe and secure, with designated parking areas monitored by car guards to provide peace of mind for all attendees.