Namibia: African Stars FC find temporary CAFCL coaching solution

Barely a week after advertising the head coach post, Namibia champions African Stars FC have found a temporary solution ahead of their return to the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).

The Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) giants have appointed Benedictus ‘Coach Benni’ Haoseb as the interim coach. He will oversee the 2027 CAFCL assignments, according to the team’s statement issued on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

“African Stars Football Club is pleased to announce Benedictus “Coach Benni” Haoseb as Interim Head Coach. Coach Benni will guide the team through the upcoming engagements as we continue our pursuit of success,” reads the statement.

“Coach Benni will lead the team through any upcoming engagements as we prepare for the CAF Champions League campaign in the club’s continuous pursuit of success.”

African Stars Football Club is officially inviting applications for the position of Head Coach.
We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and visionary leader to guide the club into its next chapter of success. If you have the pedigree, leadership, and winning mentality to… pic.twitter.com/VoTFbYXHSK

— African Stars Soccer Club (@african_StarsFC) May 7, 2026

Namibian side African Stars FC making a U-turn?

The statement acknowledged that the team hopes to tap into the vast knowledge of Haoseb for the entire Champions League campaign, seemingly making a U-turn in the decision to hire a replacement.

“His experience, leadership, and understanding of the club’s culture make him well-positioned to guide the squad during this period,” adds the statement.

“The club has full confidence in Coach Benni and believes his commitment and passion for African Stars will inspire the players and supporters alike throughout the competition.”

Haoseb is in familiar territory

Coach Benni is in familiar surroundings as he served in a similar role during the 2024-2025 season after Ronnie Kanalelo vacated the post, which Bob Mafoso from Lesotho eventually filled.

While the Lesotho coach oversaw Stars FC, Haoseb reverted to his substantive role of head of youth football for the NPFL defending champions.

Mafoso, too, resigned from his position with the Windhoek-based outfit to pick the Lesotho national team head coach hot seat in March 2026, with Agnus Elemu placed in temporary charge before he was shown the exit door on 6 May 2026.