KAMPALA—Allister Coetzee, head coach of Namibia's senior national rugby team, the Welwitschias, emphasized the need for top physical performance in their upcoming Africa Rugby Cup semi-final against Zimbabwe.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the team is intensifying preparations after a less-than-optimal performance against Burkina Faso. The coach stressed the importance of the semi-final match, highlighting the need for adjustments to match conditions and strategic enhancements. "It's crucial for us to be at our best physically, especially in contact areas and at the breakdown," Coetzee stated, adding that the team had luckily avoided injuries in their previous game.

The 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, hosted in Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium and Wankulukuku Stadium, features the top eight rugby unions from across the continent. Namibia's match against Zimbabwe is scheduled for Wednesday at 15:00, following the first semi-final between Kenya and Algeria at 13:00.

Coetzee praised Zimbabwe's team for their experience and skills in set pieces, scrums, and line-outs but remained focused on victory for Namibia. He also noted that two players are currently recovering from influenza but are expected to rejoin the team's training sessions soon as preparations for the match against Zimbabwe are finalized.