Bimbo Tjihero says he is experiencing a moment of deja vu as he is set to captain the Namibian Legends against their South African counterparts in the Dr Hage Geingob Cup on Saturday.
The former Brave Warriors skipper is understandably excited about the encounter in which he will face a number of familiar foes from their storied heydays.
The match at Independence Stadium precedes the clash between Debmarine Namibia Premiership champions African Stars and popular topflight upstarts Chula Chula.
“I have always been the captain, and it’s going to be me again when taking on the South African Legends at Independence Stadium,” Tjihero says.
He says the excitement is palpable among the squad, and that they have tailor-made preparations for the team given that most have been inactive for many years.
The Namibian Legends side is predominantly made up of the players who starred in the 90s.
They are coached by Rusten Mogane, who carved himself into the history books when he was in charge of the fabled ‘Class of 98’ Brave Warriors.
Mogane says the exhibition match brings back fond memories of a time when battles between Namibia and South Africa served up classic moments.
“It has always been a fierce battle whenever Namibia plays South Africa. As you know, South Africa is regarded as our older brother, but we have beaten them twice.
“Namibia will not shy away from defeating them once again,” Mogane said when speaking to Desert Radio this week.
He described the two-week training camp with his old apprentices as fun and satisfactory.
“The last time some of these guys played active football was 25 years ago. Many of them have been instrumental in helping to develop football in the country as they became coaches and founders of football academies,” Mogane says.
“I have Tjihero as the team’s captain, with Stanley Goagoseb as vice captain. They both stood the test of time during their playing times for clubs and national sides.
“The Dr Hage Geingob Cup management approached me because they needed a more senior coach to take the Legends under a reasonable drilling programme,” said the retired gaffer.
Also expected to be in action are FNB Women’s Super League champions Tura Magic against Gals and Goals, with MTC Hopsol Youth Soccer League matches filling up the rest of the early programme.
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