OK Bere defend crown, as newcomers Roots chase glory
The Momentum My Zone NSSR U19 Premier League reaches its decisive stage this weekend, with four teams battling for a place in the Super League final.
League leaders King Price Windhoek Gymnasium will face the fourth-placed surprise package PSG Roots Gymnasium, while second-placed Autohaus Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) take on the defending champion combination from Outjo and Otjiwarongo, the OK Foods Bere, in the other semi-final.
Windhoek Gymnasium finished the league phase at the top with 75 points after winning eight out of nine matches, narrowly ahead of WAP on 73.
The OK Foods Bere and PSG Roots Gymnasium finished level on 64 points, with the northern team taking third place on points difference.
Roots’ historic top-four finish was only confirmed during the last week, following a correction of Samsung WHS’ total on the log standings. The WHS Kudu Bulls had been mistakenly allocated a losing bonus point for their 26 June match against Roots. The confusion sprouted from a missed conversion in the dying seconds which resulted in a 17-28 scoreline – not within the margin of of ten points to earn a losing bonus point.
The semi-final between Windhoek Gymnasium and Roots presents an intriguing clash between the league's dominant side and one of the season's biggest success stories.
Windhoek Gymnasium have been in outstanding form, racking up 50-plus total in six matches and and a total of 489 points while conceding 178. Their only defeat came against WAP, but their consistency throughout the season earned them top spot.
Roots, a school which only established in 2021 at Stampriet, has exceeded expectations in their first season in the U19 Premier League. Despite being one of the youngest squads in the competition, they finished fourth and secured a place in the Super League semi-finals.
Head coach Jandré van Wyk said the experience has been invaluable for his young players.
“It has been an incredible journey. Coming into our first season in the U19 Premier League, we knew we were stepping into a completely different level of rugby. The physicality, tempo and experience of the opposition have tested us week after week,” he said.
Van Wyk said seeing the players develop throughout the campaign had been the biggest achievement.
"We have had some tough moments, some big wins and plenty of lessons along the way, but the group has continued to believe in what we are building. To reach the semi-finals in our first season is something we are extremely proud of."
He believes the youthfulness of the squad could work in their favour.
"Our squad is definitely the youngest in the competition, and that has been both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. What they might lack in experience, they make up for with hunger, energy and a willingness to learn."
‘Understand the occasion’
The other semi-final pits head coach Bakkies Rossouw’s impressive Windhoek Affies against the Bere, who won their head-to-head encounter 36-26 at Outjo on 18 July.
The Bere enter the match with the confidence of reigning champions. Last year, they produced a stunning comeback against Windhoek High School in the final, recovering from a 12-26 half-time deficit to win 55-40 and claim their first U19 Super League title.
Head coach Pieter-Willem Esterhuizen said the team understands the importance of the occasion, but will not take WAP lightly.
"It is a great privilege for us to play in a Super League semi-final. As winners of last year, we know that we have to keep our feet on the ground, and that we have to stay humble and be grateful for this opportunity," he said.
Esterhuizen believes the defending champions are ready for the challenge.
"The team has worked hard this season, and we are well prepared to play against WAP. It will also be a privilege for us to play against WAP."
The coach hopes the encounter will provide a fitting showcase for school rugby.
"I hope that the two teams will play fantastic rugby on Saturday, and that rugby as a sport will celebrate on Saturday."
With no team going through the regular season unbeaten, both semi-finals promise to be closely contested and highly entertaining.
A League
The A League semi-finals will see fifth-placed Windhoek High School face InSpares Pro-Ed Academy, while Farmstyle Elnatan Private School take on Hollard Tsumeb Gymnasium.
The semi-finals will be broadcast live on DStv (channel 285) and https://oneuptwo.com. See page 2 for the full schedule and broadcast details.
