Title hat-trick caps dominant season for Stars

African Stars Football Club have been crowned Debmarine Namibia Premiership champions for the third consecutive season following a thrilling 3-3 draw against runners-up Young African FC in their final match of the 2023/24 campaign.The result took the Windhoek-based side to 58 points, cementing their place at the top of the table in what has been another dominant season. Stars had already wrapped up the title a week earlier but closed the campaign with an entertaining fixture at home.The champions walk away with N$850,000 in prize money and will now begin preparations for the CAF Champions League preliminary round in the upcoming 2025/26 season.Stars dominate end of season awards Several African Stars players were honoured with top individual accolades for their performances this season:Top Goal Scorer: Mbakondja Tjahikika (15 goals)Goalkeeper of the Season: Mervin KaseturuPlayer of the Season: Charles HambiraFollowing the final whistle, midfielder Willy Stephanus praised the quality of their opposition and looked ahead to the challenges to come:“It was a tough season — Young Brazilians really showed up for the last match. Now we celebrate, regroup and shift our focus to the 2025/26 CAF Champions League preliminary round.”Ketjijere, calls time on storied career The match also marked an emotional farewell for Ronald Ketjijere, who officially retired from professional football at age 37.The former Brave Warriors captain featured in his final game for African Stars, closing out a decorated career that included stints at UNAM FC, University of Pretoria (PSL), and over a decade at the top level of Namibian football.Reflecting on his final season and the team’s success, Ketjijere said:“This is our third time winning it, but the feeling is always nice. We were tested this season — it was tough, but we pushed through. The fans are happy, the players are happy, so that’s good.”He also spoke of his journey and the role of education in shaping his football path:“It’s been a fantastic journey — from primary school, secondary, tertiary — I’ve been playing this game. When we won COSAFA in 2015, I was still studying, so I had to juggle that, but it was great.Maybe one day, when I have time, I’ll author a book. I want to inspire the next generation — combining education and sports, because sport can open doors.”With their eighth top-flight title and third in succession, African Stars have underlined their status as a powerhouse in Namibian football. The road ahead includes continental competition, and the club will look to build on this legacy while ushering in a new era following Ketjijere’s departure.

Title hat-trick caps dominant season for Stars

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