Windhoek Draught transforms Hage Geingob Stadium

NAMIBIA’s national rugby stadium, the Hage Geingob Stadium sports a new look courtesy of Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – through its premium beer brand Windhoek Draught.

Officially launched last Thursday, the face-lift of the Hage Geingob Stadium according to NBL managing director, Wessie van der Westhuizen who officially handed over the revived stadium to the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) serves to transform the stadium into an iconic landmark that the whole of Namibia can be proud of.

“NBL’s history with this much-loved sport that unites people from all over the world, spans over many years. Through our premium beer brand Windhoek Draught, we have supported the Namibian National Rugby team, for the past couple of years, including their preparation and participation in the 2015 Rugby World Cup,” he said.

“As a proudly Namibian company, we are committed to build Namibian rugby by bringing spectators through the turnstiles, and filling up stadiums to restore the pride and passion for Namibian rugby. In addition to growing the sport, it instills confidence in the game and attracts further private sector investment to grow our local talent,” he added.

The chairman of Namibia Rugby Limited, Bradley Basson during his acceptance speech said the newly revived stadium, and the initiative by NBL, and Windhoek draught in particular meant a lot for Namibian rugby.

“This gesture sends the right message. It shows support and commitment. If one looks at the new colourful, rebranded stadium, it brings life to this home of Namibian rugby. This will encourage local supporters – not only those interested in the sport, but every Namibian to appreciate and support sport in Namibia. This shows the commitment of NBL, and its support to taking sport, and in this case, rugby to another level.”

The captain of the national rugby team, Rohan Kitshoff expressed excitement over the revived Hage Geingob stadium.

“As a player when you now walk into the stadium, you cannot help but feel proud and feel a sense of excitement and “gees” about the transformation taking place. The new-look stadium has created massive excitement among the players and we would like to play a brand of rugby that will also create that level of excitement among our faithful supporters.”

NBL senior brand manager, Claudia Opperman said they hoped their efforts would attract more spectators to rugby matches.

“The redo of the stadium is simply to support and uplift rugby in Namibia, and to revive the passion for the sport. We are proud to be associated with Namibian rugby and trust that this vibrant new stadium will unlock even more interest, and attract more supporters to games on this field. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the rugby journey going forward.”