“I don’t shy away from responsibility or pressure. I always try and do my best, and I don’t cut corners. I am a straightforward person,” are the words of interim head coach of African Stars, Benedictus ‘Bennie’ Haoseb.
He is on the verge of making history as his team storms into the MTC Maris Cup final.
Stars secured their spot in the final by defeating Bucks Buccaneers 2-1 in the semifinals.
They will face Young African, who triumphed 3-1 over Unam in their semifinal over the weekend.
Whether they will snatch the win and N$1.5 million with it is now a responsibility that rests on the shoulders of Haoseb.
He believes they have what it takes, and whoever is hungrier stands a chance.
“Stars possess a lot of quality players who just need someone to believe and trust in them. On top of that, I have players in the squad like Jomo Tjiveta, Herold //Gaseb, Gianluca Kahingunga and Branco Rukoro whom I believe stand a great chance to make it big in football,” he added.
Haoseb’s coaching is influenced by many, including Ronnie Kanalelo, who roped him into Stars after seeing his talent and dedication when he was leading the side, as well as Collin Benjamin, Ricky Averia and Woody Jacobs.
Internationally, he admires Liverpool’s German coach Jürgen Klopp and South Africa’s Rhulani Mokwena, who is at the helm of Wydad.
Haoseb looks forward to the final, saying he is prepared for the challenge.
He attended high school in Rehoboth at Dr Lemmer High School.
He recalled that he played football, but not at the highest level.
“I played division football for Pelicans and Flamingoes – all in Rehoboth,” Haoseb said.
When he returned to Windhoek, he joined Namib Colts under the guidance of Christy Guruseb, where he learned about coaching, and eventually became the coach of that team.
“Well, I am just a normal guy who is passionate about the beautiful game. Previously, I coached in the Khomas second division and won the league with Namib Colts. I also coached Ramblers in the Southern Stream first division. Winning the Maris Cup will mean a lot to me, as it will boost my confidence and CV in football,” he added.
Regarding the looming finale, he said football is a game of 90 minutes and two halves.
“As long as we apply the right game moments and believe, we can create an upset. With Young African restructuring and bringing in new faces, it will be pretty much a different ball game. It’s not going to be easy, but from what I saw in Mariental, it will be all about who wants it the most and who will put in that extra effort,” Haoseb added.
Guruseb, who honed Haoseb both as a player around 2009 and later as a coach working with junior players at Ramblers, said Haoseb is sitting with a quality team with experience and that they are favourites but need to work hard for it.
“He has an eye for talent. He wants to learn, and he listens. That is what makes him different from the rest,” added Guruseb.
The finale, is set for 29 March in Windhoek.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na