AFRICAN Stars coach Ali Akan wants to win the Premiership more than any other competition this season, he said after his side won the NPL League Cup on Sunday.
Stars won the NPL League Cup by beating SKW 1-0 at the Independence Stadium.Rudi Louw scored the winner on 30 minutes when he ran onto a centre by Clarence Foroma to beat SKW keeper Charles Uirab with a close-range shot.The maverick Akan feels winning the season-opening inaugural Cup tournament had given his side confidence ahead of the league’s kick-off this weekend. ‘When I took over African Stars I had only one mandate… I have to win the league,’ Akan told Namibia Sport. ‘This Cup was a great bonus and great motivation for the season. We cannot think twice about winning the league.’He will aim to achieve his objective with a new assistant at his side after reportedly falling out with previous right-hand man Rasta Mbuende.’We didn’t understand each other. Unfortunately now he is not part of the team. I don’t want to comment too much on that. We brought in Andrew [Tjahikika] the former team captain. He will be my assistant,’ said Akan. Premier division debutants Rundu Chiefs present the first hurdle for Stars in their quest to prize the league crown from back-to-back champions Black Africa. The newcomers gave a solid announcement of their credentials in the Cup – upstaging Tigers on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the tournament opener.A ten-man Chiefs then lost their quarterfinal match to SKW on penalties, after having clawed back a 2-0 deficit in regulation time. Stars won all their matches 1-0 and while they dominated possession their frontline, they wasted numerous goal-scoring opportunities. ‘In the training ground we are working very hard on finishing. I have great players and a great support base. We have to win the league,’ said Akan. League champions Black Africa are expected to begin their title defence with a derby against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates. Sport Klub Windhoek face Ramblers away, Mighty Gunners host Tigers, with Eleven Arrows at home to Civics. Newly promoted Tura Magic begin life in the big league away to Blue Waters.
