Bobby Samaria’s first task as African Stars head coach will be to guide them past his former employers Tigers in the season-opening Standard Bank Super Cup on Saturday.
Samaria, who coached Stars for four years, confirmed to The Namibian Sport on Tuesday that he had signed a three year-deal to coach the MTC Namibia Premier League champions.
Stars chairman Patrick Kauta expressed hope for a successful season.
“Please take note that African Stars FC is proud to announce the appointment of our double winning coach Bobby Samaria as head coach on a three-year contract with effect from 28 July 2015,” Kauta said.
Samaria replaced Woody Jacobs, who quit the club on Monday and is expected to take over at main rivals Black Africa.
“It’s an environment I know. I know the setup so there are no adjustments to be made,” said Samaria, who was due to be unveiled to the team at the Sam Nujoma Stadium later on Tuesday.
During his first stint at the club, Samaria turned Stars into a dominant force, winning back-to-back league crowns, including the double when he also added the FA Cup for a clean sweep of silverware in the 2009/2010 campaign.
However with the dawn of rivals Black Africa’s renaissance, Samaria left after a barren season and a half as supporters turned on him.
Stars went on to win the FA Cup twice and added another league title after Samaria’s departure, albeit with two different coaches at the helm.
“This is a seed I planted back in 2008. You cannot tell how it will grow but this plant has grown into a monster. I have to thank Woody (Jacobs) and Ali (Akan) for what they have achieved with the club. But I’m glad that I contributed in part to the club’s success over the years,” he added.
He returns with the ambition to continue a legacy, saying he was keen to build momentum for the upcoming season with victory over Tigers on Saturday.
Samaria left Tigers three weeks ago after guiding them to the Bidvest Namibia Cup, the first trophy for the club in nearly two decades.
The Super Cup will see the winners receiving N$500 000 while the losers get N$250 000. In last year’s inaugural Super Cup, Stars lost 3-2 against Black Africa.
“I would like to get off to a winning start. I have nothing against Tigers. It’s about being professional and doing the job required of me,” Samaria said. Tickets are available at Computicket for N$30.
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