While African Stars tops the Debmarine Premiership with 21 points from 10 matches, Benni Haoseb, interim coach since Ronny Kanalelo’s departure, acknowledges the work ahead. Young African trails closely with 20 points, and FC Ongos and Khomas NamPol follow with 18.
Haoseb, stepping into the “hot seat,” remains confident, stating, “Coaching a team like Stars comes with a lot of responsibility and its pressure, as one has to keep the supporters happy always and results must always be positive.” He adds, “To be honest I would like to grow in this position (head coach) although I am very much aware that this institution (Stars) is big and comes with big expectations and always want to compete in the CAF Champions League, but I will never rule out the opportunity to raise my hand for the full-time job at the club.”
He praises the seasoned players like Ronald Ketjijere, Willy Stephanus, and Charles Hambira, noting, “These players (Stephanus, Ketjijere, Hambira and others) have played at the highest level on the continent and they are seasoned players and they understand the assignments at hand and what is expected from them. Those players are very discipline and professionals.”
Haoseb credits Kanalelo, who led Stars to a league double, for his mentorship. “Coach Ronny is a very open human being, as one can learn a lot from him, and I am one of the few that have learned a lot from him during our short stint together here. I have learned how to set up a team and training session, such as details on breakdown into phases and explained objectives for players to understand.”
Regarding the title race, Haoseb says, “Winning the league, well I do not want to be over-confident but winning it is always one of the targets set by the club. I do believe we are good to go as we do have the quality. The only player injured is Jimms Martin. We strive to maintain the good form and our position at the top.”