Lesotho’s Lolli FC and DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union touched down in Namibia yesterday ahead of the much-anticipated African Stars pre-season tournament, while Angola’s Petro de Luanda will jet in today.

The two-day tourney, organised by Stars, will take place from 25 to 26 August at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek. It will feature Lesotho champions Lolli, DR Congo champions Maniema, and Angola’s most decorated club, Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, alongside the Namibian champions.

African Stars chairman Salomo Hei confirmed teams will arrive this week, although he could not disclose exact arrival times. “Yes, the teams will arrive this week,” he said.

Stars coach Bob Mafoso has stressed the importance of the event in building momentum ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign. “It’s going to be a long season, and the main aim is preparation. We’re planning up to eight matches before the new campaign to give every player a chance to be tested,” Mafoso told New Era.

He added that facing experienced continental campaigners will sharpen the team. “Competing with regular participants in such tournaments is crucial. These are the types of opponents we expect to meet in the preliminary rounds, so this experience will help us know what to expect,” he said. 

This is not the first time Stars, eight-time Namibian league champions, have sought high-level pre-season competition. Last year, they faced Botswana giants Gaborone United and South Africa’s now-defunct Betway Premiership outfit Supersport United.

Stars recently learned they will face Uganda’s Vipers SC in the preliminary round of this year’s CAF Champions League, set for next month. The Katutura giant has a history with Petro de Luanda, having beaten them 2–0 in 2014 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium under veteran coach Woody Jacobs. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na