‘We must be tough’ – Kozonguizi

African Stars will need to be mentally tough if they are to make an impression in the Caf Confederations Cup, says team manager Lesley Kozonguizi.

The veteran official is the only survivor from Stars’ last and only foray into Africa, having been in the same capacity when they failed to progress beyond the preliminaries of the same competition in 1993.

Stars were defeated 5-0 on aggregate by Bongo Sport Zaire from the Democratic Republic as they navigated “a very, very tough tough experience.”

Apart from crippling finances, the side had to endure a gruelling away trip to the then Zaire, which took them, by road and ferry, through Angola and neighbouring Republic of Congo.

Kozonguizi says nothing could have prepared them for the hostile treatment meted out by their hosts, ranging from inhospitable accommodation, poor training facilities and a shortage of food.

The language barrier and humid weather conditions also added to their woes.

“We had to struggle. It was difficult but we were committed. Everybody was in unison. In the end they [Bongo Sport] beat us by a heavy margin but we learnt a great deal from that experience,” Kozonguizi relates.

Over two decades later, and armed with lessons learnt from those harrowing moments, Kozonguizi hopes to lead Stars past Angolan side Petro Atlético de Luanda.

Stars aim to steal a march on their opponents when they host the first leg or their preliminary qualifier at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday.

“It is not only physical fitness that’s important, we must be mentally tough,” he said. “I know we have tough opponents but we will fight for the victory.

“Football at this level is very different from the local standard and we need to maintain our focus at all times.”

Kazonguizi said a vociferous home support is crucial to the team’s cause and expects the stadium, dubbed the cathedral of Namibian football, to be sold out.

“We need everybody to come to the stadium. It does not matter if you are an African Stars supporter or not. There are a lot of Portuguese speakers in the country and I am certain they will come to support them [Petro Atlético]. We do not want to be outdone on our home ground. We must unite for our team and make the atmosphere hostile for the visitors,” Kozonguizi said.

Tickets to the match have been on sale for over three weeks already, and can be obtained at Computicket in Shoprite/Checkers outlets countrywide.

The club will also hold a ‘Roadshow’ in Windhoek on Wednesday to promote the long awaited showdown.

A meet and greet with players from the two teams will be held at Maerua Mall (11h00), Wernhil Park (13h00) and Herero Mall (16h00) – where several musicians are expected to deliver performances.

Stars have also begun arranging transport to Angola for supporters who intend to witness the return leg.

Charlane Minaar can be contacted for bookings and detailed information at (061) 239831.

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