Ronnie Kanalelo, head coach of Namibia’s African Stars FC, remains unperturbed by the team’s pre-season match results, emphasizing that the focus lies elsewhere during this preparatory period. The team has been training in Botswana, engaging in friendly matches as part of their rigorous training camp.
The reigning Namibian champions have enjoyed a successful run of victories, winning all three of their pre-season friendlies.
African Stars defeated Gaborone United 1-0, SuperSport United 2-0, and Masitaoka FC 2-0, maintaining a clean sheet throughout.
Despite these promising results, Coach Kanalelo remains cautious about placing too much importance on these outcomes.
Kanalelo’s primary concern during pre-season is not the scoreboard but the players’ performance and team dynamics on the pitch.
“It’s not a question of results at this stage,” Kanalelo remarked. His focus is on the players’ attitudes and their ability to remember and implement the strategies and tactics from the previous season.
He is particularly interested in observing the interactions and automatic responses among the players, aiming to rebuild and reinforce the team’s cohesion and style of play.
Kanalelo’s approach involves assessing both the existing squad and new trial players to see how they fit into the team’s dynamics.
“I just want to see if we still remember some of the dynamics from last season because we have not yet started working on our game model.
We have players on trial, and we are testing our squad to see how the combinations work,” he explained.
This strategic focus is crucial as African Stars FC gears up for significant upcoming challenges. They are set to compete in the Namibian Cup final against Young Brazilians on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Following this, their preparations will intensify for their entry into the CAF Champions League, where they will face San Pedro of Ivory Coast in the preliminary round in August 2024.
Kanalelo’s methodical approach ensures that the team is not just physically prepared but also strategically and mentally equipped for the competitive season ahead.
By prioritizing team chemistry and tactical understanding over mere pre-season victories, he aims to build a robust and adaptable squad capable of performing under pressure in crucial matches.
As African Stars FC continue their preparations, the focus will remain on refining their play, integrating new players, and ensuring that the team is ready to compete at the highest levels.
With Kanalelo’s experienced guidance, the Namibian champions are poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season with confidence and cohesion.
