ALI Akan confirmed yesterday that he will coach African Stars next season.
The well-travelled Turk said he had penned a year-long performance-based deal with ‘Starlile’.
Akan last coached Civics but resigned from his post in August last year following a run of poor results. African Stars have largest fan base in the country and two barren seasons – which pressured former coach Bobby Samaria out of the job – mean Akan has little room for error. Not one to mask his views, Akan said immediate success was the only point on his agenda.’My objective is to win the league… and the NFA Cup if it comes back,’ he said. After his failed second stint at Civics, Akan had intimated that he was through with domestic football. However the Stars offer was too tempting to turn down, he said.’Look football is in our blood so if a good offer comes why would you not take it? Obviously as a coach you want to coach the biggest club in the country,’ said Akan. Akan also moved to quash rumours that a number of the club’s stars are leaving for greener pastures. Midfielder Rudi Louw and defensive stalwart Jamu Ngatjizeko – who both endured below-par campaigns – were said to be on their way out. ‘There will be little changes. Right now no one is leaving. We just have to sort out some things. We will see which players we will keep and which ones are available to sign,’ he said. Akan’s abrasive demeanour means he rarely stays at his posts for long. After leading Civics to the 2004/05 league title, Akan had stints with Orlando Pirates, South African First Division side FC AK, Black Africa and Ramblers before rejoining Civics at the start of the 2010/11 campaign. ‘This contract is based on the team’s performances. If I win the league then I stay, if I don’t then …’
