Okaserandu eyes on Maris Cup 

Hot favourites African Stars FC alias Okaserandu head coach Benni Haoseb has full confidence in captain Ronald ‘Stiga’ Ketjijere to lift the MTC Maris Cup trophy against foes Young African at the Hage Geingob rugby stadium.

The anticipated battle between the two sides is expected to produce fireworks with Young African FC ready to give Stars a run for their money, as the Gobabis-based side looks at pulling a surprising yet sweet victory over Stars.

Speaking to Desert FM, Haoseb says: “We are going all out in tomorrow’s game, putting up a beautiful game that is going to attract our supporters back to the field, yes we are in a good space and spirit.”

“Like I said the last time, captain Stiga Ketjijere has been in good shape during the week at training, he has been running a lot, putting in overtime, so having the other players back from national duties is certainly going to be a positive boost.”

Haoseb promises football fans of an entertaining match tomorrow.

“I am calling on anyone, if you are not busy, to come to the stadium. We will go all out as a team and get this cup as we want to have our name engraved on the trophy.”

Young African FC owner and coach Marley Ngarizemo says: “The vibe has been different because it is a cup final, not the usual league matches. Players are extremely motivated and everyone wants to play a part in achieving this historic event.”

“We are good and our preparation has been very well. We started off with a friendly match against Omaheke regional team on Sunday while our official preparation kicked off on Monday. We have been pushing and we are very happy with what we have accomplished thus far,” says Ngarizemo.

Haoseb says: “We are doing everything in our power getting the boys ready. Mentally, they are prepared, physically, they are in a good shape.”

“Winning this cup is going to be a big boost for the season ahead and a huge morale encouragement,” says Haoseb.

He says having had players in the national team’s encounters against both Malawi and Equatorial Guinea is going to be a huge boost with their return to the club.

“We have been pushing, doing whatever we can. At this moment I will not disclose a lot of details, but the boys are in good shape.”

“I would like to call on our supporters, every ‘Okaserandu’ supporter, to come out in numbers, paint the stadium red. . . then we push for that hurdle to get the victory we deserve,” says the coach.       

Young African have had an intense and rigorous preparation at Gobabis this past week, with one mission – that of lifting the inaugural MTC Maris Cup on Saturday.

The defender-cum-coach says there are no serious injuries sustained, just a few minor knocks, but players have now recovered and were part of the team’s training.

“We are aware most of our players are new because we signed them recently. There are one or two players who will not play against African Stars FC because they played for their previous clubs but it is fine. We are the underdogs, we just want to go out there and surprise everyone.”

Ngarizemo says African Stars is not an easy team to beat.

He says that is why they opted to prepare at an exclusive stadium far away from any distraction, so that the players concentrate on the task at hand.

Ngarizemo calls on all Young African fans to come in their hundreds to support the team in their quest to clinch the MTC Maris Cup and walk home a cool N$1.5 million richer.

“We need our fans to play the 12-man role. What else can I say but take the bull by its horns.”