BA, Stars ready to promote Namibia

Black Africa and African Stars’ foray into Caf competition presents an opportunity to market the country’s football to a larger audience.

Both sides make their return to continental football after more than two decades, with Namibia Premier League champions BA up against South African powerhouse Kaizer Chiefs in the preliminary phase of the Champions League, while Bidvest Namibia Cup winners Stars take on Angola’s Petro Atlético de Luanda in the Confederations Cup.

NPL supremo Johnny Doëseb said the clubs can count on him for financial and logistical support required to fulfil their African adventure.

“They must do us proud. They must not become participants but show that we are worth the support. They must show that Namibian football is competitive,” said Doëseb.

It is a sentiment shared by Namibia Football Association Secretary General Barry Rukoro, who believes national pride is at stake.

“We must treat this as a national responsibility. We must gang up and show our Namibian spirit and put our best foot forward,” Rukoro said. “I’m calling on the nation to support African Stars and Black Africa during this very important assignment.”

MOETIE SALVO

BA executive member and public relations officer Cassius Moetie meanwhile fired the first shots in the pre-match hype by saying that his side would eliminate Kaizer Chiefs from the competition.

Chiefs host Black Africa on 7 February, with the return leg expected to take place in Namibia a week later.

“There is no doubt that we will eliminate Kaizer Chiefs. Remember what the Brave Warriors did to Bafana Bafana in the past. Kaizer Chiefs don’t know anything about Black Africa but we watch them all the time on TV,” he said.

Moetie however added that Kaizer Chiefs had sent a delegation to Windhoek to watch last Friday’s Katutura Derby.

“Kaizer Chiefs sent a contingent to watch BA versus Stars – we have our intelligence as well,” he said.

Moetie said it would be a massive match and expected a full stadium.

“It’s Namibia versus South Africa and the stadium will be full. Everyone wants to see Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Itumeleng Khune, but we have quality players who are looking forward to the game and its going to be massive,” he said.

“They think Namibia only has two million people, so who is Black Africa, but that’s a mistake. We are the underdogs but we will surprise them big time,” he added.

ALIGNED STARS

African Stars are taking a more pragmatic approach to their return to the Caf Confederations Cup, having failed to progress beyond the first round in 1993.

Team manager Lesley Kozonguizi, who coached the team during that brief stint, and current head coach Woody Jacobs, who guided Civics to the second round of the Champions League in 2006, feel they have a good chance of making an impression in Africa.

Stars welcome the Angolans in Windhoek on 7 February before playing away a week later.

“It’s nice for our boys to be exposed to this level of football,” said Jacobs. “We expect a tough match but I am full of confidence that we can do well in this competition. Come match day, we will not disappoint.”

Kazonguizi added:“Our preparations have gone well. Our target is to do better than the last time we played in this competition.”

Tickets to Stars match are already on sale via Computicket countrywide. They cost N$30 per head for a regular seat and N$100 for the VIP section.

To watch BA’s match, supporters will have to pay N$50 for regular seats, a N$100 for special intermediate section and N$300 for the VIP.