Namibian champions African Stars have turned to experienced coastal coach Gerald Güther to lead the club into one of the biggest challenges of its 2026/27 season, a CAF Champions League showdown with South African giants Orlando Pirates.
Güther has signed a two-year contract with African Stars and takes over from Ronnie Kanalelo, who recently left the club for South African side Marumo Gallants.
For Güther, the move represents a major step in his coaching career and an opportunity to take charge of what he describes as “the biggest team in Namibia”. “It is an honour to be considered a worthy coach to lead the biggest team in Namibia,” Güther said.
He said African Stars’ reputation, ambition and continued involvement in continental football were major attractions. “The reputation Stars has as an entity is incredible. They are hungry and ambitious. They want to remain the biggest team in the country and continue developing players in Namibia.”
His immediate priority, however, is clear: Orlando Pirates. African Stars will host the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 15:00. The return leg will be played in South Africa on 24 October.
With Namibia currently lacking a CAF-approved stadium, Stars will once again be forced to take a major continental fixture away from home. Güther said the absence of home support was disappointing but revealed that Stars supporters are planning to travel to Botswana.
“The saddest part is that we cannot play in front of our fans who would deserve to see this big match-up. But I have heard of a contingent of ASFC fans planning a trip to Botswana to support the boys.”
The coach is not underestimating the size of the task. “A giant like Orlando Pirates is what football dreams are made of. So we dream. We work hard. We prepare as best as we can. And the rest is left on the field of play.”
Stars booked their place in the second preliminary round after overcoming Gabonese side AS Mangasport on away goals following a 3-3 aggregate draw. Güther said his first task at Stars will be to understand his squad and establish his methods.
The Swakopmund-based coach brings extensive experience to Windhoek. He has worked with Swakopmund FC, Blue Boys, Eleven Arrows and Blue Waters, while also serving in Namibia’s national youth structures.
He coached the Namibia U20 national team from 2015 to 2018 and has been involved with the Namibia U17 setup since 2022. At Swakopmund FC, he has served as technical director and youth academy head coach and helped guide the club to promotion.
His new role at Stars will also include developing the club’s academy, with age groups from U14 to U18. Güther said he wants to establish a professional environment capable of competing beyond Namibia. “I want us to compete against the best on the continent, and for that, you need a fully professional environment.” While he expects tactical adjustments, Güther said he would not attempt to completely overhaul the team.
“There will be some tactical adjustments in our style of play, but they will strictly benefit the team as a whole.” Güther believes the combination of experienced players and emerging talent can keep Stars competitive.
“At Stars, the players are fully aware of what is expected. When they put pen to paper, winning the Premier League title is the priority, no two ways about that.” But before another domestic title campaign, Stars face a continental test that could define the opening chapter of Güther’s tenure.
For Güther, the message is simple: Stars are not travelling to participate. “We aren’t going there just to participate; I want us to compete.” Stars have also strengthened their squad with the signing of 19-year-old striker Michael Kandume from Mondesa Football Academy. Kandume, a Namibia U20 international, arrives after another prolific season in the Erongo Third Division.
He won the Golden Boot with 15 goals in 14 matches, becoming the division’s leading scorer for the second consecutive season. Across the past two seasons, Kandume has scored 37 league goals in 33 matches, while his overall tally stands at 42 goals in 37 matches, including goals in the NFA Cup and Newspaper Cup.
By Rudi Bowe
