The top goal scorer in the DebMarine Premiership, African Stars Willy ‘Awillo’ Stephanus attributes his success to discipline and a willingness to learn from his teammates.
As he pursues another top scorer title this season with 15 goals already in 23 matches, Stephanus reflects on his journey, highlighting the importance of experience gained from working with various coaches locally and internationally. Coaches
such as Ricardo Mannetti, Ali Akhan, Brian Isaacs, Ronnie Kanalelo, Bernard Kaanjuka and Mervin Mbakera. Transitioning from a winger to a forward role, the 32-year-old Stephanus emphasizes the need for composure in the final third, stressing the significance of technique in striking and curling the ball, as well as off the ball movements. Analysing opponents’ weakness and capitalising on them has become second nature to him.
“You have to be calm whenever you get closer to goal and decide on where you want to go for goal, rushing is the downfall of many of our boys currently, but like I said, my experience is helping me a lot in that department,” he said.
He also attributes teamwork to his success. “I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who want the best for me in every game we play. They bring out the best in me by feeding me balls to score with every chance I get.”
He adds that to be a good player, one also needs mental strength. “This also comes with experience especially in front of goal, normally if I miss chances, I drift out of the central position to just forget about the chances I missed and then try and get back into the game by delivering a few good passes or crosses for my teammates.
“I have always been a player that’s happier with assisting than scoring, meaning I’m helping a fellow player to score and for my team to win if need be. I appreciate my teammates for shouting at me when I’m losing balls. I really respect them for keeping me on my toes, because I’m not bigger than the team or the game, it helps me to do better and be better than the rest.”
Lastly, he preaches about discipline first and foremost, “be a learner always because in football, you are never too old to learn something new, take me as an example, I’ve always just been a winger, but now I’ve learned how to play a new position and to excel in it,” he said.
The league continues this weekend with Stephanus hoping to once again find the net for his side.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na
Here are the full fixtures:
Today:
FC Ongos vs UNAM FC, 17H00 at Nau-aib Stadium
Mighty Gunners FC vs Orlando Pirates FC, 17h30 at Mokati Stadium
Khomas Nampol FC vs Okakarara Young Warriors FC, 19h00 at Windhoek Independence Stadium
Young African FC vs Life Fighters FC, 21h30 at Windhoek Independence Stadium
Saturday, 16 March 2024
Eeshoke Chula Chula FC vs African Stars FC, 17h00 at Oshakati Independence Stadium
VEN Blue Waters FC vs Civics FC, 16h00 at Atlantis Stadium
Young Brazilians FC vs Julinho Sporting FC, 16h00 at Keetmanshoop Stadium
Okahandja United FC vs Tigers FC, 16h00 at Nau-aib Stadium
Sunday
Khomas Nampol FC vs Julinho Sporting FC, 15h00, Windhoek Independence Stadium
Young Brazilians FC vs Okakarara Young Warriors FC at 14h00, Keetmanshoop Stadium
Eeshoke Chula Chula FC vs Orlando Pirates FC at 14h00, Oshakati Independence Stadium
Mighty Gunners FC vs African Stars FC at 16h00, Mokati Stadium
VEN Blue Waters FC vs Tigers FC, 15h00, Jan Wilkens Stadium
FC Ongos vs Life Fighters FC, 17h30, Windhoek Ind. Stadium
Young African FC vs UNAM FC, 16h00, Legare Stadium
Okahandja United FC vs Civics FC at 16h00, Nau-aib Stadium