Let's focus on equity – Haikali
Fifa has ended its six-month management takeover of the Confederation of African Football, but the future of the game on the continent is still clouded in uncertainty, with countries like Namibia trying to make sense of the way forward.
World football body Fifa took over operations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) last June following allegations of corruption and announced reforms focused on improving the sport in Africa.
These include the creation of a pool of professional referees, investment in infrastructure, creation of a pan-African Super League, initiatives in women and youth football, and the suggestion that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament take place less frequently.
When asked whether the Namibia Football Association would embrace these suggestions, newly elected president Ranga Haikali said the association would like to see a focus on equity to balance the current domination by some Arab and French-speaking nations in the CAF structures and competitions.
Haikali further said that CAF will host a congress next month and that their proposals will be a point of discussion.
“NFA will be represented at the congress, and consideration will go towards the positive and negatives from the proposals,” Haikali said, adding that the association plans to highlight the negative impact the proposed four-year Afcon cycle would have on the short career lifespan of footballers.
CAF also suggested the creation of an elite club league consisting of 20 to 24 teams. Haikali said the challenge for Namibia will be to professionalise the top league as clubs are required to compete at that level rather than focus on participating only. He further shared that the road map of NFA under his leadership will be made public after the first exco meeting, scheduled during the Easter weekend.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
These include the creation of a pool of professional referees, investment in infrastructure, creation of a pan-African Super League, initiatives in women and youth football, and the suggestion that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament take place less frequently.
When asked whether the Namibia Football Association would embrace these suggestions, newly elected president Ranga Haikali said the association would like to see a focus on equity to balance the current domination by some Arab and French-speaking nations in the CAF structures and competitions.
Haikali further said that CAF will host a congress next month and that their proposals will be a point of discussion.
“NFA will be represented at the congress, and consideration will go towards the positive and negatives from the proposals,” Haikali said, adding that the association plans to highlight the negative impact the proposed four-year Afcon cycle would have on the short career lifespan of footballers.
CAF also suggested the creation of an elite club league consisting of 20 to 24 teams. Haikali said the challenge for Namibia will be to professionalise the top league as clubs are required to compete at that level rather than focus on participating only. He further shared that the road map of NFA under his leadership will be made public after the first exco meeting, scheduled during the Easter weekend.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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