Debmarine Namibia Premiership champions African Stars FC and popular upstarts Eeshoke Chula Chula FC will battle for the Dr Hage Geingob Cup on 18 November.
Stars will look to remedy the status quo after being forced to settle for a point at home by the plucky newcomers, whose unexpectedly large fan base has breathed new life into the topflight.
That enthralling encounter in October saw thousands cram into the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium to create an electric atmosphere, which is why fans voted for Chula Chula to face the champions in the exhibition match.
The Ohangwena region novices garnered 11 217 votes, beating coastal mainstays Blue Waters, who got 9 658 votes, into second place. Another newly promoted side, Khomas Nampol FC, was a distant third with 1 740 votes to their name.
League veterans Tigers managed 354 votes, Orlando Pirates (172), Civics (229), Life Fighters (127), Julinho Sporting ((435), Mighty Gunners (183), Okakarara Young Warriors (200), Unam (83), Young Africa (37), Young Brazillians (17) and FC Ongos (206).
And so, the Stars FC and Chula Chula get to rekindle their budding rivalry based on which club attracts the most supporters.
Yesterday, Stars’ executive director Salomo Hei said playing Eeshoke Chula Chula is good for Namibian football.
“We as African Stars FC are excited to welcome Eeshoke Chula Chula back to Windhoek. We expect our fans to fill the stadium to capacity,” Hei said.
Chula Chula chairman Tamhila Amrosius expressed excitement and confidence after the team’s supporters came through in what is yet another milestone in the brief history of the club.
“We are all excited from management, technical team and fans to be playing African Stars FC as the defending champions,” Amrosius said.
“As the newcomers, we are privileged to play one of the best football teams in the history of Namibian football. Supporters have already started with transport arrangements with bus operators from the regions for the Dr Hage Geingob Cup showdown,” he said.
“People appreciate what the team has done thus far and will continue supporting Chula Chula wherever the team travels to.”
Chief organiser Amos Shiyuka said logistics for the event, which also features an exhibition between Namibian and South African legends, are in palace.
FNB Women Super League champions Ongos (formerly Tura Magic) also take on Girls and Goals FC on the day.
Gates open at 09h00 with the first match between two Hopsol Youth Football League teams.
“We have learned lessons from the match between African Stars FC and Eeshoke Chula Chula at the rugby stadium, really learned a great lesson from that experience,” Shiyuka said.
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