Feuding football bosses must leave

The public spat between Namibia Football Association president Frans Mbidi and his subordinate Barry Rukoro has reached fever pitch, further exposing the shenanigans at the beleaguered federation. The pair have been trading barbs in the media and a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations has ensued. They have used the media to blame each other for bad administration at the NFA. This ugly standoff between the NFA chief and secretary-general unfortunately does not sit well with fellow colleagues at Soccer House and calls have been made for the Namibia Sport Commission to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. The fight is linked to the NFA congress that takes place later this year and it appears both men are hoping to secure their future. Mbidi clearly wants to see the back of his controversial chief administrator and has made it clear that his contract will not be renewed. He, however, doesn't have the full support of the NFA executive, as some of his colleagues are backing Rukoro for another term as SG. There are also reports that Mbidi wants to amend the constitution, which will put him in good stead to stand again for the NFA presidency. This childish personality clash also threatens to undermine and reverse gains made by the Brave Warriors players and technical staff, which recently saw them making history by qualifying for the knockout stages of the recently held African Nations Championship. The Brave Gladiators have also been on an upward trajectory in recent years and it is a pity these achievements are now overshadowed by petty personality clashes. This infighting confirms that there are serious underlying issues that sport bodies such as the NFA need to address, in order to clean up the mess that is so well-documented. The two gentlemen are clearly demonstrating their self-centred attitude and cannot be acting in the best interests of the game that is followed by thousands of people in this country. We believe they should all be allowed to move out of the NFA, so that people who have the interests of Namibian footballers at heart are given a chance to lead. There are capable leaders out there who would prove equal to the task.