By Michael Uugwanga
African Stars head coach Gerald Günther says there is no reason to panic despite the club losing its last two friendly matches ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round clash against South African giants Orlando Pirates.
The reigning Namibia Premiership champions lost 2-0 to UNAM FC before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Julinho Athletic Club ahead of the first leg in Botswana on Saturday.
Günther, who replaced Ronny Kanalelo following his move to South African Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants, said the friendly matches have helped Stars identify areas that need improvement.
“African Stars is a club with high standards and a winning tradition, so I understand the supporters’ expectations. As a team, we are not satisfied with losing, even in friendly matches. However, these games have also provided valuable opportunities to assess the squad, identify areas for improvement and prepare for the challenges ahead,” Günther told Confidente.
“Ultimately, we understand that we will be judged on our competitive results, and our responsibility is to make sure we are ready for the matches that matter.”
Günther said the defeats should not be ignored but should be viewed as part of the club’s preparations for the continental encounter.
“I understand why supporters analyse every performance, and they have every right to expect high standards from African Stars. Friendly matches should not simply be ignored, because they give us important information about where we are as a team.
“At the same time, they need to be viewed in the context of our preparation. Our focus has been on identifying what needs to improve and making the necessary adjustments ahead of our upcoming competitive fixtures,” he said.
Orlando Pirates head into the encounter having already played competitive domestic football, while Stars have relied on friendly matches ahead of the start of the Namibia Premiership later this month.
Pirates defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday ahead of their meeting with the Namibian champions.
Günther, however, believes Stars have the players to compete against the South African side.
“Absolutely. African Stars have won the Namibian league four times consecutively, and that does not happen without quality, character and experience within a squad. We respect Orlando Pirates and the quality they bring, but we also believe in our own abilities,” he said.
“For us to get a positive result, we must be disciplined, organised, brave in our approach and clinical when opportunities come our way.”
Günther said the players are aware of the expectations ahead of the encounter.
“Pressure is part of football, particularly at a club that expects to compete at the highest level. We embrace that responsibility, and our focus is on preparing the team properly and giving ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our objectives,” he said.
