The home team, which has reached the final for the first time in the tournament´s history, has its sight set on the trophy. Similarly, in-form Three Star, which leads the A division league at the end of the first round, is looking for its first major title of the year. [break]
Three Star defeated RCT in tie-breaker in the quarterfinal and then defeated Jawalakhel Youth Club to book its berth in the final. Likewise, Sahara edged past Machhindra, MMC and Army respectively en route to the final.
Three Star coach Pradip Humagain said he was confident of beating the home team and returning with the trophy for the third time. Three Star had earlier claimed the title in the fifth and ninth editions of the tournament. "The boys have put up a good performance throughout the tournament. Therefore I am optimistic of winning the title," said Humagain, who is also eyeing his first title after taking charge of the top-tier team in the beginning of October.
"The players´ confidence level is high," Humagain said during the pre-match conference on Friday, adding that his side would come up with aggressive style and could change the strategy when necessary.
Though the club is without as many as eight players from the set team due to the national team´s closed camp training, other players have filled the gap, said Humagain.
"Breaking the opponents´ combination is vital. We must find out their loopholes and take the right decisions to achieve victory," said Humagain. Three Star skipper Bishnu Sunuwar said he was optimistic of lifting the title as the players have good understanding and teamwork.
Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha was also hopeful of lifting the title. "We will win the trophy and the players are mentally prepared," said Shrestha, adding that his side had defeated strong teams like Machhindra and Army in previous matches. "We were wary of Army but we beat them, so we are confident of beating Three Star," he said.
The return of three key players -- Yona Elias Ndabila, Michael Nitsefe and Susan Lama -- after a one-match ban in the semifinal has also boosted Shrestha´s hopes. "Three key players will return in the match. We have good teamwork as well as a strong bench."
Shrestha said the home team could take advantage of the absence of Three Star´s key players. "Pokhara denizens´ support will encourage the team," he added.
Sahara skipper Adarsh Shahi said, "We have good teamwork, so we can lift the historic title."
Related story
Laxman Humagain reappointed as Chairman of the Advertisement Bo...
