African Stars chairperson Salomon Hei has dismissed rumours of coach Bob Mafoso’s departure to Lesotho, confirming he remains under contract despite ongoing national team speculation.
Hei recently told Desert FM: “Coach Mafoso is still under contract with African Stars SC. He was at training this week . . . and there is no smoke without a fire.”
Hei said the team is awaiting formal communication from either the football association or Mafoso’s agent.
“I did have communication with his agent, and it’s still a rumour,” he said.
“They have not confirmed that our coach, Mafoso, will be the Lesotho national senior team’s new coach.”
Though Hei has confirmed knowledge of Mafoso attending the interview process, he said there has been no communication to say whether he was a successful candidate or not.
“We are keeping our eye on the developing story. As African Stars you would remember that coaches come and go, but the team remains,” he said.
“We are quite certain that the contingency plans are in place in the event that coach Mafoso decides to take the coaching job.
“You must also remember that when a national team comes calling for a coach, it’s extremely difficult for them to say no,” Hei said.
Mafoso was seen at the team’s training this week, preparing the ‘Samba Boys’ for the weekend’s games against Young African and Tigers SC.
Reflecting on the team’s performance since the 2025/26 football season kicked off, Hei said: “It’s really been a mixed bag in the sense that we have not been able to put together a very consistent run of winning games.
“Also, I think one of those was really the sort of top start in terms of the availability of our coach during the period.”
Hei said they are building a new team from the super team that won “everything” over the past three seasons.
He acknowledged that teams need time to get to know each other, and that the team is currently strong.
“We have come back from the break and the boys are ready to go. We are looking forward to the second round,” he said.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
