Wanderers honours top performers

FNB Wanderers Rugby Club has named scrumhalf Jacques Theron and flyhalf Euodia Bassingthwaighte as its Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year for 2023.

Theron has won the award for the second year in a row. He represented the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias during the Mzansi Challenge and was also selected for Namibia’s squad to the Rugby World Cup, making appearances off the bench against Italy, France and Uruguay.

Bassingthwaighte was a key member of the Wanderers women’s team that lost only one match this season, when they were unexpectedly eliminated in the NRU women’s fifteens semi-final by United.

Wanderers’ men’s second and first teams were stopped in the NRU league semi-final and the final, respectively. After both were 2022 title holders, Wanderers II lost the reserve league semi-final against eventual champions FNB Grootfontein II by one point.

The first team finished top of the log (60 points, six ahead of second-placed Trustco United), but was beaten 30-29 in the final following a dramatic late comeback by United.

Number 8 Driaan Vorster was honoured with the “Varkhart” Award for the most intense effort during difficult periods throughout the season. He was also named the forward of the year.

Danie van der Merwe, who earned his first call-up for the Namibia sevens team in 2023, won the player’s player of the year, as well as best backline player. Van der Merwe, possessing speed and determination, excelled in the premier league regardless whether he was picked at scrumhalf or outside centre.

Hooker Obert Nortje received the trophy as the most committed player, following a comeback season that earned his second Rugby World Cup selection, while fly-half DJ Holtzhausen (most consistent performer), his brother Niel Holtzhausen (centre, best junior player), scrumhalf Reben Botha (most loyal player) and flank Sheron Rossouw (most committed) were also honoured.

Supporter of the year: Zenobia Karuuombe.

Second team player of the year: Innocent Kakumai.

Second team most improved player: Tolley Tjipute.



Women’s rugby

Junior player of the year: Daphne Buseko

Most committed: Daniella Beukes

Emerging player of the year: Jo-dee van der Byl

Best backline player: Suné Wittmann

Best forward: Lourencia Rooinasie



Management

At the recent AGM, the Wanderers Rugby committee for 2024 was confirmed.

Willem van Zyl (chairman) will be assisted by two new vice-chairmen, namely Daan Dumont (governance) and Christiaan Jacobie (rugby matters). Other committee members are Giel Boshoff, Alberto Engelbrecht, Regardt Kruger and James Short.

Herman Davin remains club president, with Liefa van Wyk as the patron.