Wanderers Bokkies end UNAM’s title run
The Wanderers Bokkies ended UNAM Steenbokkies’ three-year reign as Women’s 15s champions with a convincing 45–26 victory in the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Premier League final on Saturday.
Wanderers produced a strong attacking display, scoring seven tries to secure the title and end UNAM’s hopes of winning a fourth consecutive crown. They led 26–14 at half-time before extending their advantage in the second half.
Left wing Lizzle Tauchas led the scoring with four tries, while right wing Anchal Harases added two. Replacement back Shandre Jantjies also crossed the line. Fullback Joana van Staden contributed five conversions.
UNAM responded with four tries of their own. Lock Desny Ngarizemo scored twice, while centres Kayla-Ann Tjombe and Elzane-Lee Basson added a try each. Flyhalf Michelle Slinger converted three tries.
UNAM vice-captain Basson admitted that defensive lapses contributed to the defeat, saying the team struggled to contain Wanderers’ attacks out wide.
“Our defence failed us a bit. Not everyone was 100% on point, and we gave them overlaps that allowed them to beat us on the sides,” Basson said.
Basson acknowledged Wanderers’ determination, saying the opposition had shown greater hunger for the trophy on the day.r the trophy.
“It wasn’t our day, they showed us that they were a bit hungrier than us for the cup this time,” she said.
Wanderers captain Mandie van Staden described the victory as a special moment, particularly after her team lost both league encounters against UNAM last season.
“We knew it was going to be hard because we lost both games against them last season. This is a very nice feeling,” van Staden said.
She thanked the team’s supporters and sponsors for their continued backing over the past four years.
The 45–26 victory crowned Wanderers the 2026 Women’s 15s champions and brought UNAM’s pursuit of a fourth successive title to an end.
