African Stars’ unstoppable title charge

… Can Pirates, Tigers poses a threat?

…First division continues

• By Michael Uugwanga

AS it stands, only complacency of the highest order can prevent FC African Stars from winning the 2022/23 Debmarine Premiership title.

Stalile as Satrs are affectionately known to their multitude of fans are seven points clear at the summit of the table and on course to taking the coveted title.

ONE might say it is too early to predict the teamto win the 2022/2023, Debmarine Premiership title, but there are already signs African Stars are looking likely champions after nine matches played.

Stars have 25 points from nine matches having dropped two points this far in a 1-all against Tura Magic in November and have scored 19 times and conceded only on four occasions.

The Mervin Mbakera coach outfit were impressive again last weekend beating second placed, Life Fighters (Otjiwarongo) 3-1 in their backyard before overcoming seventh placed, Julinho Sporting (Rundu) 1-0 win played in Rundu.

Second placed side, Life Fighters are on 18 points, same number of points as Walvis Bay based third placed Blue Waters.

Okahandja United finds themselves in fourth place with 16 points and have a game in hand after their clash against Civics was abandoned due to heavy rain, when the match was 1-all.

One can attribute Stars dominance this season to the presence of former Brave Warriors skipper, Ronald ‘Stigga’ Ketjijere who acts as the clue that binds Stars with his stellar performances in the middle of the park.

But it is not only Stigga who has been doing the job for Stars but a host of other international players such as Dynamo Fredericks, Willy Stephanus and Emilio Martin have made life easier for the club to flourish.

Speaking to Confidente, Ketjijere who also played professional football in South Africa for University of Pretoria said the teams aim is to qualify for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

“We are not going to be complacent as our aim is to win the league and qualify for the CAF Champions League.

The reason we are in such a rich vein of form is because we have a quality squad and there is competition amongst the players. Each player knows when he gets the opportunity to play, they must take it and do justice to the coach’s trust by playing well. There is no room for poor performances because other players are waiting in the wings to take over,” Ketjijere said.

Stars biggest test yet season will come up this weekend against Orlando Pirates and Tigers, two matches that could have a big say in the title race.

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