One of the first grassroots rugby teams established six months ago in Rundu is working to develop young talent and create opportunities for players to compete at regional and national levels despite ongoing challenges.

Coach Yambwa Abel said he started the club to create opportunities for local rugby players and hopes the project will eventually produce players for regional and national teams.

He said that while the team continues to make progress, it still requires sponsorship and investment. He emphasized the need for sponsorship and investment to expand the team's development program, despite its ongoing progress. 

"And I came up with the rugby team because I have dreams of playing for the regional and national teams, and the only way I saw that I could achieve that was by starting my own team, since there was no rugby team in our town. So we started the team, and we are training every day really hard so that we get noticed and make it to the national team one day."

Ngandu Warriors coach Haingura Andrew said the team continues to face challenges, including the lack of a rugby field, equipment, sponsorship, and suitable training facilities.

Despite these challenges, he said the club aims to develop young players and eventually compete in national leagues.

"The first challenge was the field. There was no rugby field in Rundu, only soccer fields and facilities for other sports, so we had no option but to find a small piece of land like this one and build a field. We also need funding to get kits, so we would like to get sponsors in the future. Another challenge is poor sanitation and the flood plains around the area."

Riverside Crocs player Balzar Kyle said being part of the team has helped him build confidence, discipline, and determination.

"It's a great feeling to be on this team because they motivate you to do better and push you beyond your limits.”

Ngandu Warriors player Nginga Newman encourages more young people in Rundu to take up rugby, saying the sport promotes fitness and teamwork while helping players build friendships.

"I can tell them that you need to be tough and fit, and you can make friends."

Riverside Crocs and Ngandu Warriors currently train about 25 young players at the Riverside Crocs field in Rundu.

Riverside Crocs is yet to compete in official tournaments as the club continues to secure the resources and equipment needed before targeting competitions next year.

Both teams said improved facilities and sponsorship will be key to helping more young players progress to regional and national rugby.