More fluctuating fortunes to be determined

Round four of the 2024 Namibia Rugby Union premier league once again entails four enticing match-ups to fans of the local club game.

FNB Unam, looking determined so far as current log leaders, will aim to maintain their unbeaten record in their away trip to FNB Rehoboth.

Unam head coach Russel van Rooi, who would only confirm his match squad at last night’s training session, says: “We attempt to keep our team selection largely unchanged based on our last match, in order to build consistency. We do have the possibility of (centres) Camlo Martin and Lesley Klim being involved this weekend.”

His Rehoboth counterpart Jood Opperman, looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss in Grootfontein, has included Henrique Olivier, a potentially influential flyhalf at club level, on the bench against his former teammates, as he makes a comeback from injury.

“Dolano Vries (wing) is out with studies, but Manfred Garoeb impressed for our second team, while Bayern Bayer will be on the bench,” Opperman said.

FNB Reho Falcon, meanwhile, will take on the home advantage of FNB Wanderers on Saturday. Falcon has already beaten FNB Western Suburbs and earned respect in a close, late defeat at FNB Kudus (32-40) at Walvis Bay.

Further boosted by the introduction of Namibia right wing Gerswin Mouton in their friendly against Namibia Under-20, in an entertaining loss of 38-40, Falcon will look to further boost their confidence for the season.

Wanderers, after their opening loss at Unam, have found a higher gear since the introduction of André van der Berg at flyhalf, Johan Deysel at centre and Prince !Gaoseb at flank. As some of their star-studded list of injuries and unavailabilities start to diminish, coach Dirk Human’s squad will not want to concede an inch of momentum.

At Swakopmund, struggling Simonis Storm Dolphin will look to lift themselves for the somewhat familiar challenge of a coastal derby against Kudus. However, Cameron Langenhoven’s team from Walvis Bay will be firm favourites for a dominating win.

In Khomasdal, both hosts Western Suburbs and defending champions Trustco United are currently winless, with just one and two log points so far, respectively. The faithful supporters can nevertheless expect a full-on battle between two proud competitors looking to turn their fortunes around.

• FNB Rehoboth (vs FNB Unam): 15 William Klazen, 14 Khee-Shaan Beukes, 13 Brandon Dentlinger, 12 Hillian Beukes, 11 Manfred Garoeb, 10 Ascher Coetzee, 9 Miquel Busch, 8 Jeandre Cloete, 7 Deevan Mathys, 6 Ray-Eez Feris, 5 Chase Diergaardt, 4 Freddy Krohne, 3 Jeremey-Paul Cloete, 2 Kevin Cloete, 1 Titus Mathias. Bench: Shadillo Zaahl, Tirique Coetzee, Delano Coetzee, Duante Beukes, Donato van Wyk, Bayern Bayer, Shaquille Januarie, Henrique Olivier.

• Both the premier league matches at Swakopmund and at Wanderers will be broadcast live by the NTV production teams. While Wanderers v Reho Falcon will also be shown on the DStv channel, both matches can be followed on https://oneuptwo.com/ from 30 minutes before the 15:45 kick-off.