Dirty football soap opera continues
The infighting among Namibian football leaders escalated at the weekend, with the two rival sides both claiming applications from the same clubs.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
WINDHOEK
Namibian football drama took another twist over the weekend as the Namibia Football Association (NFA) confirmed having received applications from nine former Premier League clubs by yesterday.
The news that clubs like Black Africa, Blue Waters and Citizens, who had earlier written letters opposing the new NFA league, had now joined that very league raised questions about the application process. The three clubs joined Civics, Orlando Pirates, Young African, Tigers, Mighty Gunners and Julinho Sporting, who had expressed interest in joining the league. NFA acting secretary-general Franco Cosmos confirmed on national televison on Saturday that nine clubs had applied to be part of the top-tier league. But Namibian Sun understands the legitimacy of some of the applications is questionable. Black Africa's application was made by the supporters' club, while Blue Waters' application was allegedly made by one faction in the club.
It is also alleged that Citizens FC's application could be challenged given that the club owners are divided on the matter.
The NFA felt that those who applied represent the interest of the majority of clubs and will therefore take the applications into consideration.
Speaking in a telephonic interview yesterday Cosmos said: “I believe that all these clubs that have applied are being represented by the majority and it is within their right to apply.
“David Goagoseb of Citizens is the chairman of the club and that is why we accepted his application. “Blue Waters elders also removed the executive committee which was opposing the NFA league and introduced a new executive which applied for the club. “Black Africa is a community club and the members of the community have chosen that their club will be part of the NFA league.”
Cosmos added that the teams would have to meet certain requirements before they begin the season. Legal consultant Olsen Kahiriri questioned the credibility of some of the clubs that have applied with the NFA.
“These people from the NFA are taking applications randomly, without looking at the authenticity of these applications. “An institution that claims to protect the rule of law is doing these things and it is the lowest I have ever seen and an act of desperation,” Kahiriri said. The Namibia Premier League, which was expelled by the NFA, also claims to have nine definite clubs to start its own independent professional league.
The league chairman, Patrick Kauta, said he was not shaken by the fact that the NFA had allegedly received applications from nine clubs, leaving the NPL with only seven clubs.
“I believe we have nine solid clubs that are interested in the professional league,” Kauta said.
The league officials claim that Black Africa, Eleven Arrows, African Stars, Blue Waters, Life Fighters, Young Brazilian, Citizens, Okahandja United and Rundu Chiefs will all be part of the NPL professional league.
WINDHOEK
Namibian football drama took another twist over the weekend as the Namibia Football Association (NFA) confirmed having received applications from nine former Premier League clubs by yesterday.
The news that clubs like Black Africa, Blue Waters and Citizens, who had earlier written letters opposing the new NFA league, had now joined that very league raised questions about the application process. The three clubs joined Civics, Orlando Pirates, Young African, Tigers, Mighty Gunners and Julinho Sporting, who had expressed interest in joining the league. NFA acting secretary-general Franco Cosmos confirmed on national televison on Saturday that nine clubs had applied to be part of the top-tier league. But Namibian Sun understands the legitimacy of some of the applications is questionable. Black Africa's application was made by the supporters' club, while Blue Waters' application was allegedly made by one faction in the club.
It is also alleged that Citizens FC's application could be challenged given that the club owners are divided on the matter.
The NFA felt that those who applied represent the interest of the majority of clubs and will therefore take the applications into consideration.
Speaking in a telephonic interview yesterday Cosmos said: “I believe that all these clubs that have applied are being represented by the majority and it is within their right to apply.
“David Goagoseb of Citizens is the chairman of the club and that is why we accepted his application. “Blue Waters elders also removed the executive committee which was opposing the NFA league and introduced a new executive which applied for the club. “Black Africa is a community club and the members of the community have chosen that their club will be part of the NFA league.”
Cosmos added that the teams would have to meet certain requirements before they begin the season. Legal consultant Olsen Kahiriri questioned the credibility of some of the clubs that have applied with the NFA.
“These people from the NFA are taking applications randomly, without looking at the authenticity of these applications. “An institution that claims to protect the rule of law is doing these things and it is the lowest I have ever seen and an act of desperation,” Kahiriri said. The Namibia Premier League, which was expelled by the NFA, also claims to have nine definite clubs to start its own independent professional league.
The league chairman, Patrick Kauta, said he was not shaken by the fact that the NFA had allegedly received applications from nine clubs, leaving the NPL with only seven clubs.
“I believe we have nine solid clubs that are interested in the professional league,” Kauta said.
The league officials claim that Black Africa, Eleven Arrows, African Stars, Blue Waters, Life Fighters, Young Brazilian, Citizens, Okahandja United and Rundu Chiefs will all be part of the NPL professional league.
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