Mannetti calls for star-studded showdown against Pirates 

Former African Stars FC director of football Ricardo Mannetti calls on ‘Starlile’ to put up a sterling performance against Orlando Pirates in their CAF champions league encounter.

African Stars FC has the daunting task to overcome when the blue-red-and-white outfit takes the battle to Gaborone, Botswana, on 17 October where Stars are seen by many as the underdog.

“When it comes to the match itself, I think it’s very important to have a positive outcome against Orlando Pirates.

“Although, Botswana is our home away from home. It’s important to secure a win,” Mannetti says.

He says a two-legged affair is always a tricky one, but it’s important for Stars to have a positive start and then follow with a consistent performance in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 24 October.

“We all know it’s not going be an easy one, but it’s not impossible.

“So, it’s up to the leadership, coach, players and us to support African Stars FC to make sure we get them over the line,” Mannetti says.

“We need to make sure every Namibian – whether you’re Blue Waters, Chula Chula, FC Ongos and Tigers’ supporters – everyone must rally behind African Stars.

“Because they’re representing Namibia. I think we need to support them. It’s not about club football here, but about us representing Namibia.

“In terms of what we can expect on the pitch, obviously, Stars have a new coach, Gerald Guther. I worked with him previously, and he has international experience at under-20 level.

“He also assisted me when we introduced the under-20 players into the national team. So, he knows a thing or two about international football,” Mannetti says.

“So, if African Stars do well, the spotlight will be on Namibian football.”

Mannetti argues that should Stars beat Pirates, the focus will be on all Namibian football clubs, and not only on African Stars FC.

“A lot of eyes will then be centred on Namibian football.

“That is why everyone must support the African Stars FC CAF Champions League encounter against Orlando Pirates.”

Mannetti, who is spearheading a Standard Bank Namibia campaign, urged the financial institution’s clients to find out about the competition if they wish to be part of African Stars FC second-leg encounter in Johannesburg on 24 October.

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