Next Day of Dolphin in the making
Thrilling rugby action
A coastal-based rugby club will once again host its very popular tournament in October.
The Dolphin Rugby Club will host the Day of Dolphin tournament at Tamariskia Sports Ground on 28 October.
“It will be a day filled with thrilling rugby action with male and female teams participating at the event proudly sponsored by Eagle Night Watch,” said Rowhan Besser, chairman of the coastal-based club.
The Dolphin Rugby Club experienced a memorable revival in 2023 and, according to Besser, the club is eager to continue its journey in 2024 with a focus on growth and development at all levels of the game. “We marked our return to the rugby scene after a three-year hiatus (from 2019 to 2022) with an extraordinary comeback and demonstrated the immense rugby talent in Swakopmund. This success is attributed to the unwavering commitment of our coaches, Hauta Veii, Otto Swarts, and Jaco Barnard; the dedication of our players; and the generous support of our sponsors and community.”
He also announced the intention of the club to enter two strong teams into the NRU league next year. “We invite all players who wish to be part of our club to join us as we prepare for the 2024 season. We understand that Rome was not built in a day, and we are committed to rebuilding rugby in Swakopmund - from primary to high school level and into club rugby.”
He added that the dedication and resilience of the Dolphin players were evident throughout the season. “We set ambitious goals at the start of the campaign, including a desire to win 80% of home games, secure victory in 50- to 60% of away games, and reach the quarter-finals of the NRU First League. Despite initial skepticism, we achieved a 100% league record in both home and away games, marking an exceptional accomplishment for our first year back in action. Unfortunately, we fell at the semi-final hurdle, but this was a valuable lesson for the club.”
Besser also paid tribute to the supporters and community of Swakopmund. “The heart of Dolphin Rugby Club lies in the Swakopmund community and our loyal supporters. Your unwavering love, honor, and respect have been instrumental to our success. We are proud to be part of a community that passionately supports our endeavours.”
The club also achieved another milestone by establishing the Dolphin Rugby Academy in May 2023. This initiative - made possible through the passion and determination of parents and players - aims to groom future Namibian rugby superstars. “We extend our gratitude to Metal Mill Engineering and Gellert Unlimited Services for sponsoring the academy T-shirts. We are blessed with five phenomenal players in Pieter Enslin (head coach), Keanu Engelbrecht, Popyeni Shikongo, Rudi Gaweseb, and Wayne Hearlen (all assistant coaches) acting as coaches for the rugby academy,” said Besser. He also encouraged other clubs to adopt similar initiatives to strengthen local rugby development.
Besser extended his gratitude to the sponsors who provided critical support to the club throughout the season. “Without your generous contributions, we would not have been able to fulfill our commitments to the league and our community. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support, which has allowed us to positively impact both our players and the Swakopmund community.”
“It will be a day filled with thrilling rugby action with male and female teams participating at the event proudly sponsored by Eagle Night Watch,” said Rowhan Besser, chairman of the coastal-based club.
The Dolphin Rugby Club experienced a memorable revival in 2023 and, according to Besser, the club is eager to continue its journey in 2024 with a focus on growth and development at all levels of the game. “We marked our return to the rugby scene after a three-year hiatus (from 2019 to 2022) with an extraordinary comeback and demonstrated the immense rugby talent in Swakopmund. This success is attributed to the unwavering commitment of our coaches, Hauta Veii, Otto Swarts, and Jaco Barnard; the dedication of our players; and the generous support of our sponsors and community.”
He also announced the intention of the club to enter two strong teams into the NRU league next year. “We invite all players who wish to be part of our club to join us as we prepare for the 2024 season. We understand that Rome was not built in a day, and we are committed to rebuilding rugby in Swakopmund - from primary to high school level and into club rugby.”
He added that the dedication and resilience of the Dolphin players were evident throughout the season. “We set ambitious goals at the start of the campaign, including a desire to win 80% of home games, secure victory in 50- to 60% of away games, and reach the quarter-finals of the NRU First League. Despite initial skepticism, we achieved a 100% league record in both home and away games, marking an exceptional accomplishment for our first year back in action. Unfortunately, we fell at the semi-final hurdle, but this was a valuable lesson for the club.”
Besser also paid tribute to the supporters and community of Swakopmund. “The heart of Dolphin Rugby Club lies in the Swakopmund community and our loyal supporters. Your unwavering love, honor, and respect have been instrumental to our success. We are proud to be part of a community that passionately supports our endeavours.”
The club also achieved another milestone by establishing the Dolphin Rugby Academy in May 2023. This initiative - made possible through the passion and determination of parents and players - aims to groom future Namibian rugby superstars. “We extend our gratitude to Metal Mill Engineering and Gellert Unlimited Services for sponsoring the academy T-shirts. We are blessed with five phenomenal players in Pieter Enslin (head coach), Keanu Engelbrecht, Popyeni Shikongo, Rudi Gaweseb, and Wayne Hearlen (all assistant coaches) acting as coaches for the rugby academy,” said Besser. He also encouraged other clubs to adopt similar initiatives to strengthen local rugby development.
Besser extended his gratitude to the sponsors who provided critical support to the club throughout the season. “Without your generous contributions, we would not have been able to fulfill our commitments to the league and our community. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support, which has allowed us to positively impact both our players and the Swakopmund community.”
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