Likuena utility player Thabang Malane has dedicated winning his first trophy in Namibia to his late mother after helping African Stars beat Young African 1-0 to clinch the MTC Maris Cup.
The final played at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday was the first for the 27-year-old for Stars since the burial of his mother having recently been on national duty with Likuena in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The Machache born has hit the ground running in Namibia after making the switch from LCS FC and was thrown into the starting lineup after arriving back in Namibia on Friday to help his side to walk away with the M1.5 million prize money.
Malane featured for Likuena in the recent 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda respectively having come as a second-half substitute against Bafana Bafana and playing the whole match in Kigali.
The Likuena utility player stated he is in cloud nine to win his first trophy after a tough period in his life following the passing away of his mother, who was laid to rest over a fortnight ago.
“This is my first trophy playing at the highest level because I have only won the Alliance Winter Challenge at LCS which is a pre-season tournament,” Malane said.
“I’m very happy because it’s a dream come true for any player to win trophies, and it comes after a very difficult period in my life.
“I dedicate the trophy to my mum, and I would have loved her to see me win my first trophy playing at the highest level.”