Schools and clubs shine at Dolphins tournament
Rugby and football
The Vineta Stadium came alive this weekend as young athletes and club players clashed in the much-anticipated Oshitenda Day of Dolphins rugby and football tournament, hosted by Dolphin Sports Club in partnership with Coca-Cola.The event featured both the Day of Dolphins Rugby Tournament and the Coca-Cola Day of Dolphins Football Tournament, drawing teams from across Namibia and South Africa for a day packed with action, teamwork, and community spirit.
According to Rowan Besser, chairman of Dolphin Sports Club, this year’s edition was one of the biggest yet.
“We’ve got 11 football teams participating, and for the first time on the rugby side, we’ve invited schools to take part,” Besser said.
“It’s been a wonderful day and a blessing indeed,” he added.
Among the participants were Laerskool Walvis Bay and Suiderhoff Primary School from Windhoek, who battled it out in the under-13 rugby final, with Laerskool emerging victorious after an intense 19–12 win. At club level, Dolphin Rugby Club triumphed 16–6 over Galvandale Academy from Port Elizabeth.
Speaking after the match, Enrico Grootboom, head and founder of Galvandale Academy, said that despite the long journey, his team cherished every moment.
“It was really a nice game. The travelling is the hard part because it’s long, we use the bus. But the guys enjoyed the trip. We made new friends. It’s worth it,” he said with a smile.
“Next year we’re definitely coming again, but this time to take the trophy, not just the medals.”
For the young winners, the experience was nothing short of inspiring. Damien Forbes, captain of Laerskool’s under-13 team, expressed pride in his side’s determination and comeback.
“At first, I thought we wouldn’t make it after the loss against Suiderhoff, but after the second half, I knew we could do it,” he said.
“I hope next year we’re still together as a team and we push even harder.”
Despite arriving in Swakopmund just the night before, Forbes said his team’s spirit and confidence carried them through.
“We were not really prepared, but I knew our senior boys could beat them,” he said proudly.
The Oshitenda Day of Dolphins once again proved to be more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and youth development, bringing together communities across borders in the name of the game.