But he conceded the team "celebrated a little too early" after winning its first championship in 63 years, which qualified them for the Australia-wide knockout competition.

After losing their first two games the Tigers embarked on a 14-game unbeaten streak this season to grab top spot, but came crashing back to earth by conceding nine unanswered goals in finals losses to Belconnen United and Canberra FC.

Josifovski welcomed the chance to rectify it immediately against a star-studded Bonnyrigg White Eagles outfit featuring former A-League stars Chris Tadrosse, David Vrankovic and Robert Younis.

"We've had a few poor results in the lead-up but we're there for a reason, we think we're a decent team," Josifovski said.

"It came as a surprise and it's a humbling experience to lose the way we did, but it happens when you're a little slack and not focused.

"Possibly our celebrations happened a little early, to be honest. The minor premiership [championship] was the goal we set at the start of the year.

"I don't want to downplay the grand final but all around the world the minor premiership is certainly what people fight for.

"It's an historic day for the club. If we can make the region proud, that'd be fantastic. It's a challenge we're not shying away from.

"[The championship] was fantastic, but that's an achievement which is finished and we're looking toward the next chapter and the next challenge, and that's Bonnyrigg White Eagles."

Holding midfielder Dejan Santrac said they still have utmost confidence they can pull off an upset and step up on the big stage.

"We ran out of steam at the end of the year. We set a goal to win the league and everyone knows what's at stake if you win the league now," he said.

"We know we're better than we showed in the finals. Obviously it was disappointing to go out against a couple of teams who finished below us, but that's football.

"We know we're the best here [in Canberra]. We didn't show that in the finals, but we're here for a reason."

Cooma was burdened with the favourites tag before the Capital League finals, but Santrac said being underdogs will take the pressure off their shoulders.

"Obviously we're going in as underdogs and rightly so," he said.

"The Sydney standard's higher, they're training more times a week, but we're quietly confident we can do the job.

"Everyone's expecting us to lose but we definitely believe we can win within our group."

SATURDAY

National Premier League: Cooma Tigers v Bonnyrigg White Eagles at AIS athletics field, 2.30pm.