Unam Steenbokkies, Wanderers Bokkies ready for final

The Namibia Rugby Union women’s League final is set for 12h30 tomorrow, with Unam Steenbokkies set to clash with Wanderers Bokkies at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium.

Unam Steenbokkies team manager Valerie Basson saying the team’s biggest improvement this season has been its consistency, both individually and collectively.

“At the beginning of the season, we were still finding our rhythm. As the games progressed, the players became more confident in each other and began taking greater ownership on the field. We have also grown tremendously in our communication, discipline and ability to stay composed under pressure. Finishing the league unbeaten shows the progress we have made, but we know the final is a completely different occasion. We cannot rely on what we have done before. We have to start again and earn the result. I am very confident in the group because I know how hard they have worked and, more importantly, that they believe in each other,” she said.

Basson said Wanderers are a strong, physical side, meaning Unam will have to stay disciplined and make the most of their opportunities.

“Wanderers are a strong and physical team, and they can put you under pressure. For us, it will be about being more disciplined, communicating well and taking our opportunities. We need to stay focused, play our game and work for each other for the full 60 minutes. It’s a final, and we know we have to leave everything on that field,” she said.

Basson said the team is also focused on ensuring the players are physically fresh and mentally prepared for the final.

“This week, we’re focusing on keeping the girls physically fresh and mentally strong. We’re not overloading them, just sharp training, recovery, and making sure everyone is ready for the intensity of the final. Mentally, we’re reminding them to stay calm, trust the work we’ve put in and, most importantly, stay together as a team. Winning would mean much more than another trophy. Defending our title for the fourth time would show that women’s rugby in Namibia deserves more support, investment and opportunities. We want the younger girls watching us to believe that they can do it too. If we can win this final and inspire even one more girl to pick up a rugby ball and believe that she belongs on this stage, then we’re not just winning for ourselves; we’re helping build the future of women’s rugby in Namibia.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers Bokkies head coach said the team has worked hard throughout the year and has developed a strong bond both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve worked hard throughout the year. We have bonded on and off the pitch. Every player has the necessary understanding and skills of the game to go onto the pitch and just play the game we enjoy,” the coach said.

The coach said Unam’s attacking approach will require Wanderers to remain alert and take advantage of their opportunities.

“They play attacking rugby, and we should be ready and aware of whatever they throw our way. We need to make sure we use any opportunities that come our way,” the coach said.

The Wanderers coach said the team has also prepared well physically and mentally and wants the players to enjoy the occasion while remaining disciplined.

“We’ve been preparing well physically and mentally. I’ve told the team to go out there on Saturday, have fun, but be disciplined. That we’re a team, so we carry the workload and responsibilities together.

“We have no pressure on us, so go out onto the pitch and show our growth as a team.

“I’ve told my team we need to go out there and not only represent ourselves but show how far we’ve come in developing players and the love for the game. That’s the only way to keep the game growing and get other ladies interested in joining and growing the game.”

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na

The post Unam Steenbokkies, Wanderers Bokkies ready for final appeared first on New Era.