Kanalelo returns to African Stars

African Stars Football Club have confirmed the return of Ronnie Kanalelo as the club's new head coach, marking a reunion with one of the most successful coaches in the club's recent history.

The Premiership champions announced Kanalelo's appointment in a statement, describing his return as the start of an exciting new chapter for the club."His return marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue striving for excellence on and off the pitch. With his experience, character and understanding of what it means to represent this badge, we look forward to the journey ahead. Welcome home, Coach. Once a Star, always a Star," the club said.

Kanalelo said he is delighted to be back at the club and is eager to build on the team's recent success."I am no stranger to this football club and would like to help them win more titles. Our first journey starts with the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, and we have to aim for the best," he said.

The former Brave Warriors goalkeeper previously guided African Stars to the 2023/24 Namibia Premiership title and the PstBet Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup before leaving the club. He later coached Bucks Buccaneers and most recently spent last season in charge of Ongos FC.

Widely regarded as one of Namibia's most experienced football figures, Kanalelo has enjoyed a distinguished career as both a player and coach. He served as Brave Warriors assistant coach under Ricardo Mannetti from 2013 to 2019 before returning to the national team setup later in 2019 to work alongside current head coach Collin Benjamin until recently.

Born in Okongo in the Ohangwena Region, Kanalelo moved to Walvis Bay as a young child, where he began his football journey with Super Stars in Kuisebmond alongside future national teammate Eliphas Shivute.

His playing career in Namibia saw him represent Eleven Arrows, Blue Waters and Black Africa between 1991 and 1997 before earning a move to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, where he played professionally from 1997 to 2005 and earned the nickname "The Magnet" for his outstanding goalkeeping ability.

On the international stage, Kanalelo represented Namibia from 1992 to 1999 and was part of the Brave Warriors squad that qualified for the country's first-ever Africa Cup of Nations finals in Burkina Faso in 1998.

Beyond his national team responsibilities, Kanalelo has also been part of the coaching setups at UNAM FC, Black Africa, Tigers and Tura Magic, bringing a wealth of experience back to African Stars as the club prepares for both domestic competition and its CAF Champions League campaign.