CAFCL: Namibia’s Africa Stars welcome Vipers SC in South Africa

Faced with a lack of CAF-certified stadiums back home in Namibia, African Stars FC have found a new home for hosting the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League games in South Africa.

Namibian newspaper reports that Stars have settled in Cape Town where they have made Athlone Stadium their home.

Coach Bob Mafoso’s team arrived in the South African city last Saturday. The Namibians have not only been training in Cape Town but have also played warm ups.

Good Morning, Venooooooms 😍

Ready to represent – The Venoms begin their African journey this evening. 💪🏿#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/mbj4ouRrOB

— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) September 19, 2025

Stars defeated Cape Town-based amateur side Shosholoza FC 8-0 in a training game on Sunday. The match was part of the Namibia league champions’ preparations for a Champions League game against Uganda’s Vipers SC on Friday.

Mafoso is quoted by the Namibian newspaper as outlining their expectations from the game against Vipers. The coach says he is bracing for strong opposition from their Ugandan opponents.

“They compete in the Champions League just about every season and they regularly win the Ugandan league. In general Ugandan players are known for their athleticism and they are runners, so they will be tough opponents,” he said.

The Namibians are participating in the continental league for the third consecutive time. They have not gone past the preliminary rounds.

Winner will face either Dyanmos ot Asec Mimosa

The overall winner between the two teams will progress to the next round to date the winner between Zambia’s Power Dynamos and Ivorians Asec Mimosa in the second qualifying round.

Stars squad comprises new signings including the South African winger Jaylen Trent, defender Tino Guiseb, goalkeeper Michael James and midfielder Lawrence Doeseb, both of Eeshoke Chula Chula; and national defender Tuli Nashixwa from Tigers.

The Namibian champions have also added depth to their squad with acquisition of winger Wendell Rudath from Botswana Premier League side Jwaneng Galaxy, Zambian striker Emmanuel Kalala from Zambian Super League side Mutondo Stars, and Ghanaian striker Mohammed Aminu from Ghana Premier League side Bechem United.

The return leg match will take place at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, Uganda on 27 September.