In a strategic move to cut costs, reigning Debmarine champions African Stars will host their Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Champions League preliminary match in Botswana, the club chairman said.

Salomo Hei explained that the move is aimed at reducing costs and enhancing fan accessibility. He added that by moving their match to Botswana, the NFA PstBet champions hope to ease financial burdens associated with hosting international fixtures in South Africa, as was the case in the previous year when they played Zambian side Power Dynamos in Johannesburg.

He noted that this decision was not only driven by financial considerations, but also to allow fans to travel more easily, as Botswana is closer to home compared to Johannesburg, South Africa, where they played last year.

The two teams will square off in the preliminary round, first leg and second leg on 16 and 23 August, respectively. Last year, African Stars reportedly received an amount of N$1.4 million from the local football governing body, Namibia Football Association (NFA), to cover the team’s accommodation, field rentals, transport and other related costs.

This will also mark the second time in a row that the Katutura giants are taking part in the continental tournament, with their campaign being short-lived last year, crashing out of the competition after they lost 1-0 in the second leg to Power Dynamos.

Stars were crowned champions of the PstBet NFA Cup last weekend after defeating Young Brazilians 2-1.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na