The stage is set for an exhilarating football clash as Young African takes on African Stars tomorrow at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek. 

With a grand prize of N$1.5 million on the line, both teams are geared up to deliver an electrifying performance that will have fans on the edge of their seats. 

The finale kicks off at 17h00. 

The energy is already palpable as the two Namibian football clubs prepare to battle it out.

Coach of African Stars Benedictus ‘Bennie’ Haoseb acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry, but emphasised the mutual respect between the teams. 

“There is no love lost, but the respect is there between Stars and Young African,” he said. 

Haoseb knows the significance of this encounter.

 He is treating it as more than just another match. 

“Many cup finals have come and gone, but this one is very special because it will be against a good side. We’ve tightened all loose ends, and we’ve worked hard. I fully agree we are the favourites, but it’s going to be a different ball game. Both teams are ready, and the playing field will be level. It’s going to come down to who wants it the most, who will run harder and who will make fewer mistakes at the end of the day,” he added.

For the Stars coach, it is all about mental toughness and preparedness. 

He also had a rallying cry for the loyal supporters, urging them to turn out in full force: “I want all Okaserandu supporters to come out in numbers, paint the field red and be the 12th man behind the boys. 

On the other side of the pitch, Maleagi Ngarizemo, coach of Young African, made it clear that they are in the final on pure merit, and they intend to prove they belong. 

For his team, this is a moment they have been waiting for. 

They are determined to make the most of it.

“Of course, we want to do well and win this match. It’s an opportunity for us. We have no other goal than to win this cup. The players are motivated, and they have agreed to give everything on the field if it has to come to that,” he continued, highlighting the determination within his squad.

Acknowledging the strength of African Stars, particularly with some of their key players recently performing well on national duty, Ngarizemo did not shy away from calling out any potential weaknesses. 

“Stars is a good team with national team players who recently did well on national duty, but this is a different ball game. They also have some shortcomings, so they’re not a team to fear before the kick-off, but a team we can take on without fear at this moment,” he said. 

Ngarizemo’s team is clearly full of confidence and ready for the challenge. 

“We’re ready to display good football on the day. The players are fit, there are no injuries so far, and preparations are coming to a close,” he noted.

Entrance to the field is free if you are registered on MTC Maris. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na