Rising Rooties Make Waves on South African Rugby Fields

When it comes to Roots Rugby, our players are not only participating, they are making their mark. Over the past few weeks, three talented Namibian National Teams featuring our Rooties took to the rugby fields of South Africa, and each of them returned home with victories, lessons, awards, and pride stitched into every jersey.

U/13 National Team at Academic Week – East London, RSA

Six of our young stars, Dandré du Plessis, Joshua Isaacks, Frederico Gaoab, Omar van Wyk, McHendry Pieters, and Ehan Kruger, earned their place in the U/13 Namibian National Team that competed during the first week of July at the Academic Week in East London.

The team showcased immense talent, winning three out of four matches. Co-Captain Omar van Wyk led by example in a nail-biting opening game against Zimbabwe, where the boys clinched a tight 16 -15 victory. The second game proved more challenging, as Eastern Province edged them out 17-12 on a rain-soaked field. However, the team bounced back with determination and flair, ending the tour on a high note by defeating the Sharks XV from KwaZulu-Natal 20 -12.

Our Rooties played with heart, and their performances were a testament to the dedication and discipline nurtured here at Roots.

Rootie Rugby Players that is part of the Namibian U/13 Team. From left to right: (Front) McHendry Pieters, Omar van Wyk, Ehan Kruger, (Right) Frederico Gaoab, Joshua Isaacks, Dandré du Plessis.

U/16 Grant Khomo Week – Pretoria, RSA

In the capital city of South Africa, three of our senior players, Operi Katjitundu, Zasha Steenkamp, and Joshua Platt, took part in the U/16 Grant Khomo Week, representing Namibia in a series of challenging matchups.

The team faced fierce competition, winning one match and narrowly missing out in two others. Despite the results, the experience proved invaluable, as our players competed with grit and represented Roots with honour and perseverance.

Proud to represent Namibia's U/16 rugby team at the Grant Khomo Tournament in Pretoria, from left to right: Joshua Platt, Operi Katjitundu and Zasha Steenkamp.

U/16 VKB Team – Frankfort, RSA

Our pride soared as the U/16 VKB Team, coached by none other than our Director of Sport, Mr. Jandré van Wyk, dominated at the VKB Rugby Week in Frankfort. With eight Rooties on the squad, Chase van Wyk (Captain), Jayden Mostert, Ditsile Christiaan, Jadie Swartz, Rayleigh Assegaai, Morren Sabatha (Co-Captain), Keanan Abraham, and Jayden Beukes, the team proved unstoppable.

Chase van Wyk (left) and Morren Sabatha (right) were chosen as Captain and Co-Captain of the Namibian U/16 VKB Team.

They started with a 47- 8 triumph over Zululand. Chase van Wyk earned Man of the Match in the second victory against the Luiperds (29 -12).

In a nail-biting final clash with the Griffons, the team emerged victorious 17-14, with Keanan Abraham claiming the Man of the Match title.

The team also walked away with the trophy for the “Most Memorable Game” of the tournament and remained undefeated across all three matches.

Further accolades followed as Chase van Wyk and Jayden Beukes received awards for Best Positional Players, and were also part of the seven Namibians selected for the Youth Invitational Rugby Week in Windhoek this coming October. Keanan Abraham was named as a non-travelling squad member.

Proud victors of the VKB U/16 Rugby Week. (Chase van Wyk front and centre holding the trophy for 'Most Vivid Team'.)

At Roots Gymnasium, success is no accident. It's a result of dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the field. From developing raw talent to sharpening advanced skills and fostering team spirit, we are proud of what our players are accomplishing.

Watch this space. Rooties are rising, relentless, and ready for more.