Maqonda Ndlovu
The organisers of the ninth edition of the Hage Geingob Cup say it is all systems go for the tournament.
The one-day football extravaganza will take place at the Independence Stadium tomorrow, with the gates expected to be opened by 9h00 in the morning.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Amos Shiyuka, the chairman of the organising committee, said they are looking forward to an exciting day full of entertainment.
“Preparations have gone well. Logistically, everything is in place, security will be tight, and we expect the weather to play long so that the teams can showcase great football,” Shiyuka said.
He added that they had managed to fix the football pitch to the best of their ability.
“The South African legends are arriving tomorrow morning. We are also expecting Eeshoke Chula Chula tomorrow. The ladies’ teams are ready, and the programme is all set. We have five local musicians who will entertain the crowds, and there will be food and drinks sold at the venue,” Shiyuka said.
He added that President Hage Geingob was excited about the event and called on football-loving people to come and enjoy the matches.
Meanwhile, the Brave Warriors class of 98 has promised fireworks, with their captain, Bimbo Tjihero, saying the team has been busy training hard over the past month.
“While some of us are approaching 50 and others have already gone past 50, we have put in enough work. Come Saturday, we will defend our record of not having lost to our South African counterparts,” he said.
Tjihero added that they have added a few other players who are in their late 30s and early 40s to add a bit of pace and movement and make the match competitive.
He said 70% of the team will consist of the first-ever team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso.
“Fans must come out in numbers, as we will roll back the years and showcase Namibia’s brand of football. There will be a lot of shibobos and jika majika, as well as a lot of dribbling and goals,” he said.
The team has been training under the watchful eye of former Brave Warriors coach Rusten Mogane at Eros Primary School Football Field.
The events of the day will kick off with a match between two MTC HopSol Youth Soccer League teams.
Before the Namibia Legends of 1998 take on their South African counterparts, FNB Women Super League teams FC Ongos (formerly Tura Magic) against Girls & Goals will come after them.
That will pave the way for the main match between African Stars and Chula Chula.
Stars were chosen based on winning the 2022/23 season, while Chula Chula was voted for by the fans via SMS.