OK Bere secures Walvis victory, sets up Whk Gym semi-final
Defending champions the OK Foods Bere narrowly sneaked into the fourth-place finish during the last round of 2026 Momentum My Zone NSSR Under 19 premier league matches on Saturday.
The fierce combination from Moria Private School in Outjo, also including players from Otjiwarongo secondary schools Paresis, Edugate and Donatus, famously eliminated King Price Windhoek Gymnasium in the semi-final last year, before storming to a historic win in a sensational final against Samsung Windhoek High School.
On Saturday, the Bere secured a 26-13 win against Namib Diesel Walvis Bay Private School at Naartjie Park in Walvis Bay.
This result sets up two highly intriguing U19 premier league semi-finals for this coming weekend in Windhoek, pitting the Bere (64 log) in a rematch against top-of-the log Windhoek Gymnasium, while the WHS Kudu Bulls (third) booked their place against Autohaus Windhoek Affies who finished strongly in second position.
Naartjies subdued at home
On Saturday, WBPS opened the scoring with a try and conversion during the first 15 minutes.
The visitors, through quick play near the WBPS try line, broke through the Naartjies defence, but failed to convert, setting the score at 7-5 at half-time.
During the second half, the boys in yellow and black came back with renewed vigour and quickly scored two tries, both converted, setting the score at 19-5 in the 44th minute of the game.
The Naartjies added two penalties to bring their score to 13 during the last 20 minutes, while the Bere sealed the deal with a final try and successful conversion in the final 12 minutes of the game.
The Bere were without talented backline speedster Drikus Maartens, who was rested due to bronchitis, but nevertheless secured the win through tries by captain and scrumhalf Durand Louw, Armand Esterhuizen (normally nr 8, who played at centre), hooker HJ Vermaak and an intercept try by wing Owen Afrikaner.
The northern team kept their composure until the final whistle, despite receiving a late yellow card.
Walvis Bay captain Johan van Wyk said it was a great game, although the score did not reflect how closely contested it was.
“The Bere played a great game. We made quite a few mistakes, but overall it was a great game.”
Van Wyk, who played the last league game of his school career, said it still felt surreal.
“It feels like somewhere tomorrow or next week I’ll be back in the orange jersey, playing on this field, but I will always look back and cherish all these moments. Additionally, we’ll be rooting for the Bere to lift that trophy again this year.”
Winning team captain Du Rand Louw shared the sentiment that the score did not show how tough the contest was.
“It was quite close, but we fought until the end and managed to get that win. The Naartjies brought the fight, well done to them!”
WHS Kudu Bulls prevail
At Stampriet, the last league match between Farmstyle Elnatan and visitors WHS would be a straight knockout, leaving only the winners progressing to the semi-finals.
The Kudu Bulls prevailed by a 53-17 margin, but only after trailing 12-17 at halftime, struggling against the wind and Elnatan employing their big runners to score two tries and a long-range penalty by fly-half Janco Esterhuizen.
However, WHS delivered an energised and physical second half – ending up with eight tries scored by hooker An-Ree Swartbooi, lock James Munyakazi, loose-forwards JP Brenkman (2) and Lee-Jay Armstrong, centre Ignatius Kandowa, fullback Kaku Kuzatjike and replacement Amos Titus.
Kandowa added four conversions and one penalty, and Kuzatjike one conversion.
WHS head coach Jan Dames commented: “WHS managed to remain calm and focused on their game despite taking some big shots early on. WHS’ response of interplay and support delivered the perfect result on the day. Forwards and back played well to ensure a constant flow of tries scored.
“Elnatan were reduced by two yellow cards for dangerous tackles. Individually, players like Kaku, Ignatius, James Munyakazi and flank Kayden Louw were brilliantly positioned to give WHS the advantage.”
• PSG Roots Gymnasium, in their premier league debut season that included a famous win against WHS, finished impressively (fifth) after Saturday’s home victory against Karstveld (34-17).
Elnatan took the sixth place ahead of Hollard Tsumeb Gymnasium.
• At Swakopmund, Inspares Pro-Ed Academy were too strong for Hollard Tsumeb Gymnasium, winning by 66-22.
• Final log standings and results at www.rugby.my.na/
