Mariental: Mariental Sports Club (SC) head coach Mervin Mbakera has expressed his disappointment over his team's failure to secure the Southern Stream First Division league title. Despite a strong performance throughout the season, the team faltered in the final stages, losing three of their last four matches to rivals Friends FC, Try Again, and Dates Eleven.According to Namibia Press Agency, Mbakera described the defeat as a challenging reality to accept. "It's a bitter pill to swallow, no doubt. We came very close, and to lose the title at the very end after being on top of the summit for so long is tough for everyone involved," he said. The coach reflected on the season's difficulties, highlighting the loss of 15 players and the subsequent need to rebuild the team almost entirely.Mbakera acknowledged the initial challenges faced as the new players adapted to the team's strategies. He noted that adjustments were necessary to align the team's approach with the available players. Despite these hurdles, he praised the team's resilience and ability to become a formidable side once they found their rhythm.However, the coach admitted that the team lost momentum after the Easter break, leading to a challenging period where they struggled to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. This inability to close out matches was a critical factor in their title loss.Mbakera expressed gratitude towards club chairperson Raider Jod for his unwavering support, along with the technical team, players, and everyone who supported the club throughout the season. He emphasized that the experiences from this season have strengthened the club.In his closing remarks, Mbakera acknowledged the supporters and media for their role in the journey with Mariental SC. He reassured them that this is merely a setback, and the team is determined to return stronger in the future.