W&B Hardware SFC Coastal Open

SFC hosted the highly anticipated annual W&B Hardware Coastal Open Squash Championship in Swakopmund with thirty-eight men’s and twelve ladies’ players that competed for the titles.

Leading Namibian men’s squash players included Danie Greeff, the defending champion, Sven Gruttemeyer, Angelo Titus, Brandon Grane and Immanuel Amorongo, while the lady’s event was graced by Chantel de Gouveia, the defending champion, Christiane Beulker, Charne Fourie and Carla Cummings.

The C-Division final was between Ricardo von Stein and Wilco Rugheimer, with Ricardo taking the spoils. The B-Division final was contested between Marcelino Koopman and Robert Schaaf with Marcelino taking the win after a passionate display of commitment by both players.The third-place play-off was between Michael Truter and Werner van Riet with Michael taking the win. The Ladies Final saw Chantel de Gouveia taking on Christiane Beulker with Chantel successfully defending her title after a gymnastic display of swift movement over the court. She took the match 3-0. Charne Fourie took the third place after defeating the master player, Carla Cummings.
The men’s A-Division semi-final matches were between Danie Greeff and Angelo Titus on Court A and Sven Gruttemeyer and Brandon Grane on Court B. Both matches went the full distance and lasted an hour each with an unrivaled display of skill and emotional intelligence. The spectators were treated to some of the best squash that 2018 had on offer with Danie Greeff and Brandon Grane winningtheir matches 3-2 with the slightest of margins. The championship final took place on Sunday, 16 December at 16:00 and left the spectators in awe of the players’ ability to retrieve tight shots and outwit their opponents. Brandon Grane was victorious after a hard-fought battle with the defending champion. The third-place play-off between Sven Gruttemeyer and Angelo Titus was equally filled with a passionate display of skill with Sven taking the win.

The SFC Squash Chairman, Rudi Koekemoer, was the master of ceremonies during the prizegiving and thanked Danie Jansen from W&B Hardware and Building Supplies for the largest sponsorship in the history of the club with prize money of N$20 000. All the players also received branded sport shirts, “goody bags” and a traditional Namibian braai apart from the prize money. A lucky draw, which included a fitting prize of a gazebo, was won by Willem van Duijvenbode. A special word of thanks was also extended to Frikkie and Dianne Orban from Abenteuer Afrika for sponsoring the use of a large marque tent to host festivities.

A special word of remembrance was made for the late Bernd (Gugus) Gruttemeyer that served on the SFC Squash Committee and will always be remembered for his contribution to the SFC Sport Club and community.