Victory for Kudus in season opener
FNB Kudus clinched victory in the season-opening round of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) premier and reserve leagues against FNB Rehoboth in Walvis Bay on Saturday.
As defending champions in both leagues, the first team secured a 45-20 win in the premier league, to follow a dominant 70-0 performance by the second team.
FNB Rehoboth started strongly in the premier league encounter, opening the scoring with a try by speedy left wing Manfred Garoeb, successful converted by inside centre Miquel Busch.
Kudus responded when flanker Lezardo Vos crossed the try line, with flyhalf Aurelio Plato adding the conversion to level the score at 7–7.
The home side continued to build momentum, with further tries from fullback Aston Mukwiilongo and hooker Jarren Koning. Plato added another conversion, taking Kudus to 19 points by halftime. Rehoboth managed a penalty through fly-half Jason Farmer, bringing the halftime score to 19-10 in Kudus’ favour.
Shortly after halftime, Kudus left wing Lucio Isaacs scored between the posts, with Denzo Bruwer, new addition from the bench, converting successfully.
Rehoboth’s Garoeb added his second try of the match, although Farmer missed the conversion attempt.
Vos then secured his second try for Kudus, with Bruwer adding the extras.
Rehoboth’s final points came through a try by openside flanker Deevan Mathys, taking their total to 20.
Kudus sealed the victory with further tries from Lloyd Jacobs and new signing Adriaan Ludick, with Plato converting. The final score stood at 45-20.
FNB Rehoboth coach Brian Titus described the match as competitive.
“We played the game in a great spirit. There were moments where tempers flared, but it was a great game, and we are grateful to Kudus for the hospitality they’ve shown us. It was a tough match.”
Titus said the team’s focus for the season is on rebuilding.
“Quite a few players left the club, but if (the rest of the season) looks anything like this game we saw today, we are excited for what lies ahead. We are very proud of the team.”
Cameron Langenhoven, newly appointed as FNB Kudus’ head coach by director of rugby Roger Thompson, said his team has respect for their opponents.
“Credit to Rehoboth, they showed up today and we have a lot of respect for them. They really put in a strong performance.
“From our side, there is still a lot of work to be done. In terms of the metrics we set for ourselves, we only achieved about 20% of what we wanted.”
He added that while the team is satisfied with the result and the maximum six log points, improvement remains a priority.
As defending champions, Langenhoven said the goal remains unchanged.
“The goal is the same – to lift the cup at the end of the season. We have had some new signings, a new coaching staff (also including the acquisition of Eugene Jantjies from FNB Dolphin), and additions to the management. We are in a good position to achieve that, but there is still a lot of work ahead.”
Kudus will have a bye on 18 April and will next face United in Windhoek in two weeks.
“There is a lot of preparation needed. We know United well from previous seasons, so we will be working hard to get ready for that match.”
