Behind closed doors: NFA exco race

Whispers have commenced within football circles and the regions about potential leaders tipped to take over the Namibia Football Association (NFA) on 17 November.

The country’s football governing body is set for another contest in November as the Fifa Normalisation Committee (NC) paves the way for a new leadership.

However, it still remains unclear who is being considered at this stage, although several names have surfaced in discussions among those with the ability to nominate and vote.

Patrick Kauta

The name of prominent lawyer and former African Stars boss Patrick Kauta has once again resurfaced as a potential candidate to stand for the NFA presidency position.

Kauta, who attempted to stand for the position during the last elections, which saw Ranga Haikali win, is alleged to have garnered support from some of his old rivals.

Robert Shimooshili

The Blue Waters FC chairman’s name, Robert Shimooshili, has been mentioned in several corridors.

It is said Shimooshili, who had close ties with the progressive forces over the years, continues to have a strong influence in terms of gaining support from friends within the football fraternity.

Sources, however, claim that Shimooshili’s ineligibility to run for president could be the main obstacle to preventing him from running for the position.

Johnny Doeseb

Johnny Doeseb, who has lost several elections in the past, is also being named within football circles.

Doeseb last provided what was described as a ‘proper’ manifesto to transform football. The former Namibia Premier League chairman, however, lost to Ranga Haikali during the previous elections.

There are, however, still those who allegedly believe Doeseb has the potential to run in football.

His eligibility to run if nominated is, however, still under scrutiny following the latest revised NFA statutes.

Murs Markus

Sources have revealed that there are plans among some to put their weight behind Khomas Southern Stream First Division chairman Murs Markus.

It is understood that Markus has some admirers within the football fraternity and could be a surprise candidate for those who are eligible to nominate and vote.

Isack Hamata

Suggestions were made that former Tura Magic executive member Isack Hamata should be nominated as president.

Hamata, a former board member in the now extinct Namibia Premier League, seems to have fostered a reputation through his advocacy for proper administration and his social media presence.

Hamata, however, is likely to fall out even if nominated, given his ineligibility to stand for the position.

More names expected

As things stand, sources are confident that more names will emerge before the actual nomination begins.

Namibian Sun understands that some of the regions are still undecided about whom they should nominate.

The delay in conducting internal elections in certain regions is believed to be the cause of this indecisiveness.

What analysts expect

Former sports presenter Rodman Katjaimo expects the next NFA president to have football at heart.

"The next NFA president must be a proactive individual who will have a well-defined ideology for what he wants to achieve.

“One of the things that he or she needs to do is bring back our home games to Namibia.

“He must have clear objectives for the development of youth football in Namibia and also women's football in order for us to have a great future.

“He must be prepared to have the Namibia Premiership become independent from the NFA,” Katjaimo noted.

NC provides an update

The Fifa Normalisation Committee has, in the meantime, provided an update on proceedings ahead of the elections.

The committee announced that the NFA members have accepted two amended documents containing statutes.

“The adoption of the statutes and electoral code being one of the most important milestones of the mandate, the NC is now singularly focused on completing its final task before returning football to its rightful owners, the members,” the committee said in a statement.