NFA congress ‘ideal for Progressive Forces’

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa WINDHOEKThe proposed Namibia Football Association (NFA) congress could allegedly play into the hands of the ‘Progressive Forces’, a source has alleged. At this point, the congress has given little direction as to who will succeed the president or who the next executive could be. Namibian Sun, however, understands that NFA president Ranga Haikali is set to be the biggest loser at the meet.On the other hand, the group that supported Haikali and the executives named the Progressive Forces are set to benefit.All NFA exco members were initially part of this group at the 2020 congress, but infighting, corruption allegations and personal egos saw some members abandoning the group. When the call for an extraordinary congress was made and approved, many thought this could signal the end for the so-called Progressive Forces.A senior source, who happens to be part of regional administration, is, however, not sure that the congress could be the end of the faction. “The first thought that would come to mind is why are people not opposing the call for congress and why are they so reluctant to go into it?“This is a move to remove Haikali from the position and those who are supporting him,” the source said.Complete stronghold“This congress may, however, not signal the end of the Progressive Forces but rather a complete stronghold over the association,” they alleged.The Khomas, Hardap, //Karas, Erongo, Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions as well as the Southern Stream and the Namibia Premier Football League are expected to bolster the Progressive Forces’ chances of attaining control over the executive. Meanwhile, Omaheke, Oshana, Omusati and Ohangwena are believed to be those who could try to stop the faction from gaining complete power over the NFA.The two Kavango regions are believed to be undecided on what direction to take at the congress.“I do not think the women’s desk will support the Progressive Forces, but I am not sure where the referees will stand.“It is indeed very tricky at the moment and the person chairing the congress will be key as to the direction of the congress,” the source said.PowerlessThe president of the NFA, who is still on suspension, will have no power to influence procedures at the meeting.“What can happen is that when the vote at congress is made in secret, people might vote for change, but when it’s about raising hands, I do not expect anyone else to take control of the congress,” the source added.At last year’s congress, those who had joined the Progressive Forces bandwagon won comfortably, with Haikali scooping 20 votes to two over his rival Johnny Doeseb. As the next congress looms, it is believed that Haikali might have lost his votes but those who voted for him and still form part of the Progressive Forces are strong enough to pull the strings.This is likely able to give current first vice-president Isak Fredericks a push to become the next president, provided that the delegates still have faith in him.Fredericks, who is part of the Progressive Forces, denied allegations that the plan is to remove the president.“There is nothing about Progressive Forces plotting anything against anyone here, but this congress is set to axe all of us if the delegates do not want us to remain there.“This is not the decision of a particular group and there are no groupings. It will be the decision of those who want to see change in football,” Fredericks said. UnconstitutionalMeanwhile, suspended NFA president Haikali believes the congress is unconstitutional.“The constitutionality of the congress should be questioned because Fifa gave the directive that I am the president and there should be no meetings held.“Now we have the secretary-general calling for a congress and I do not even know how it came about.“I am not worried about being removed at that congress because I do not think it will be constitutional anyway,” he said. CracksThe Progressive Forces formed last year ensure that Haikali landed the biggest job in Namibian football.In fact, on 14 February 2020, Haikali claimed he was part of a group consisting of most of the 22 delegates who showed up at the congress.“We are working as a team called the Progressive Forces, who aim to take over the NFA as a whole. Of the 22 members, the majority form part of these forces and I can confidently say that we have already won as I already have a two-thirds majority,” he said at the time. Haikali and Progressive Forces-backed secretary-general Franco Cosmos, however, did not see eye to eye, which led to those in control suspending the president. Cracks started appearing among the group over the manner in which the country’s football affairs are being managed.Divided The current exco is divided into two camps - the first consisting of Fredericks (//Karas), Netty Cloete (//Karas), Peter Ndjulu (Khomas), Iggy Hainghumbi (Ohangwena), Shali Amakali (Oshikoto) and Robert Shimooshili (Namibia Premier Football League representative with no voting rights).Earnest Joy (Kavango West), Kenneth Goaseb (Southern Stream First Division chairman), Tino Haingura (Kavango East) Ferdinand Hausiku (Kavango West) and Haikali are in the other camp.

NFA congress ‘ideal for Progressive Forces’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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NFA congress ‘ideal for Progressive Forces’

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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