Stars coach happy with league opener

NPL football
Orlando Pirates' coach seemed not too disappointed, but optimistic about the season ahead.
Jesse Kauraisa
  • 8 Months Ago 18 September 2023
The 2023-’24 Debmarine Namibia Premiership season kicked off at the weekend, with especially the Katutura derby producing thrilling football.

African Stars’ Ghanian coach Prince George Koffie said he was delighted after his reigning champions beat Orlando Pirates 3-1 in their first premier league match of the season at Hage Geingob Stadium.

“Yes, I am happy with how the boys played today, even though there is work we need to do as a team be go levels up.

“Right now, winning the first match was always going to be important. That is why I am grateful for the result,” Koffie said.

The title holders started the match applying pressure on Orlando Pirates, with star striker Willy Stephanus opening the scoring with a well-timed run and finish.

Stephanus ended the previous season as the league’s top-scorer and has simply continued his form where he left off.

Orlando Pirates however came back fighting after grabbing an equalizer through Sadney Urikhob to level the scores before halftime.

Stephanus once again responded with another good finish to put his team in the lead.

Stars went up a gear up after their second lead in the match which saw them playing with confidence and knocking the ball around well.

Orlando also tried applying pressure on Stars and looked threatening every time they were on the attack, with veteran midfielder Riaan Cloete pulling the strings.

It was however African Stars’ import from Comoros, Ibroihim Youssouf, who grabbed the limelight by scoring their third goal.

Assistant coach of Orlando Pirates, Geoffrey Roman, said the team played well even if they lost the match.

“It is disappointing to lose the match, but the boys gave it a good try in their first match.

“I actually think our team was the better of the two and we played good football.

“It was the first game of the season and I just believe this team will still give opponents some problems,” Roman said.

The summarised league results:

At Hage Geingob Stadium: African Stars 3-1 Orlando Pirates

African Stars goal-scorers: Willy Stephanus 2, Ibroihim Youssouf. Pirates goal-scorer: Sadney Urikhob.

At Swakopmund: Vivo Energy Namibia Blue Waters 3-1 Okakarara Young Warriors.

Blue Waters goal-scorers: Steven Damaseb, Gattuso Lazarus, Tuhafeni David.

At Gobabis: Young African 0-2 Ongos FC

Ongos goal-scorers: Desmond Bester 2.

At Karasburg: Young Brazilian 0-2 Khomas Nampol (own goal and Prins Rewaldo).

At Okahandja: Okahandja United 0-1 Unam (Paulus Amutenya).

At Rundu: Julinho Sporting 0-0 Life Fighters.