Gobabis: Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate has expressed pride in the Young African Football Club for qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup competition. The Gobabis-based team will take on Royal Leopards of Eswatini in the competition's first leg on Saturday at the Obed Itani Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nganate noted that despite challenges faced by YA in the Premier League campaign last season, the team pulled itself together and finished second in the log to book their place in the continental tournament. "We are proud of you. Your participation in the CAF competition signifies that you have reached a milestone, and you must keep up. You must be hungry for goals and hungry for a win. Coming from a small town, you are the hope and role models of so many other young people who aspire to reach your level in football," he said.

He emphasized that the eighth government administration has made sport a priority among the seven priorities. The governor further urged players to enjoy themselves, play with determination, and know that there is a prize to be won, and that prize is to put YA further up on the map and Namibian football on the map.

The governor also commended team manager Maleagi Ngarizemo for reinforcing his technical team with experienced coach Woody Jacobs and Sparks Gotlieb to assist with coaching.

On his part, YA manager Ngarizemo said he appreciates the governor's support and acknowledged his usual assistance to the team throughout. "We are looking forward to having a good game and making sure we win our home one and plan for the next one. Of course, we are facing the opponent that we don't know, but we have prepared very well, and we aim to win both matches," he said.

The return leg is set for Eswatini at Mbabane Stadium on 26 September, and the aggregate winner will advance to the next stage.