The Junior Welwitschias are chasing more than just another continental title when they head to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthés Trophy. They are chasing history.
The Namibian Rugby Union Under-20 men’s team was officially sent off at the Namibia Sports Commission in Windhoek today ahead of its departure for the continental showpiece, which will take place in Kampala Uganda from 7 to 15 August.
As defending champions, Namibia will be aiming to retain the trophy they won in Zimbabwe last year and, in doing so, become the most successful nation in the tournament’s modern era. A fourth Barthés Trophy title would move Namibia ahead of Kenya, with whom they currently share three championships since the competition was renamed in 2016.
Adding to the team’s sense of purpose during preparations was an unusual but powerful ritual. Throughout training in Windhoek, the Barthés Trophy rested beside the field under the watchful eye of head coach Christiaan Johannes Zaayman, serving as a daily reminder of last year’s triumph and the mission that lies ahead in Uganda.
The trophy has become a symbol of the standards the Junior Welwitschias have set for themselves and the legacy they hope to build. Namibia’s 2025 triumph in Zimbabwe was a landmark achievement for the country’s junior rugby programme. Having previously lifted the trophy on home soil in 2018, the team had struggled to repeat that success away from home. Last year’s breakthrough ended that drought and has instilled confidence in a squad eager to prove its success was no once-off achievement.
Speaking at the official send-off, Zaayman said the team had enjoyed an excellent build-up to the tournament. “Our preparations have gone really well,” he said. “We had a short tour to South Africa where we played against the Blue Bulls and Limpopo Blue Bulls, and since then we’ve been working hard over the last three to four weeks. The players have put in a tremendous effort, and now we’re excited to get onto the field and start playing.”
Despite entering the tournament as favourites, Zaayman said the squad remained grounded. “Our objective is to go there and win the trophy again and defend it,” he said. “We don’t want people to think last year’s success was just a one-year wonder. We know we’ll face very tough competition, especially from Zimbabwe and Kenya, but we want to prove that Namibia’s junior rugby programme is the best in Africa outside South Africa.”
The coach added that supporters can expect an attacking brand of rugby built on ball retention and teamwork. “We’ve placed a lot of emphasis on playing with the ball, spreading it wide and maintaining possession. We want to keep the ball, put our opponents under pressure and play as a team.”
Captain Tjeripo Karuhumba echoed his coach’s confidence, saying the players had earned the opportunity to defend the title through months of sacrifice and commitment. “It’s been tough. The whole rugby journey has been tough because of the amount of hours you have to put in, whether it’s in the gym, field sessions or skills training,” Karuhumba said. “But to get here is deserved because the work has been put in.” The captain made it clear that the squad has only one objective.
“The main goal is just to win. There’s no other way, it’s to bring back the trophy.” Although the magnitude of defending a continental title has yet to sink in completely, Karuhumba believes the team is mentally prepared. “The nerves haven’t kicked in yet, but the training has been intense and focused. We know what the outcome should be, so the work is being put in.”
This year’s championship will be played at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala, where Africa’s leading Under-20 rugby nations will battle for continental honours. With championship experience, a strong preparation programme and the motivation of making history, the Junior Welwitschias arrive in Uganda determined to retain their crown and reinforce Namibia’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading junior rugby nations.
Namibia Under-20 Squad:
Support Staff: Head Coach: Christiaan Johannes Zaayman, Assistant Coach: Gerhard Johannes Opperman, Team Manager: Jacobus Andreas Husselmann, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Sergio Cole De La Harpe, Physiotherapist: Megon Sam, Team Doctor: Wilfred Nico Bezuidenhoudt
Junior Welwitschias:
Forwards: Tauno Sekupe Junior Hamukoto, Stephanus Christiaan Burger, Marchall Charmar Klein, Benjamin Lausberg Mostert, Joshwin Solomons, Pandeni Cyrus Shipena, Keanan Keanu Louw, Isaiah Peter-John Kazondovi, Jacobus Mouton, Tjeripo Seuakouje Karuhumba (Captain), Tiaan van der Westhuizen, Pieter Jan Strydom, Nzola-Menza Nkunku, John Connor Nel, Eduardo Otto Dunn and Valentino Gebhardt Niigambo.
Backs: Dominique Damian Isaacs, Damian Jordan Klein, MC-Rein Luther van Wyk, William Bernard Beukes, Jano Louw Erasmus, Soobramoney Sammy, Ethan Jordan Sinden, Jayden Daniel Jansen, Derrick-Nell Bezuidenhout, Carlo Maurice Hawanga, Bertus Ricardo Les-Narib and Wesley Carlos Haukongo.
By Rudi Bowe
