NFPL clubs' patience wears thin

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



WINDHOEK

Several Namibia Football Premier League (NFPL) clubs are mounting the pressure on the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and NFPL officials to start football.

A member of a club registered with NPFL - who spoke on the condition of anonymity - said the clubs are becoming restless and want football to start.

“We were promised that football will start in February, but nothing is really happening and that is frustrating us.

“There are around four to six clubs I will not mention to protect them that are fed up with the situation and the empty promises,” the source said.

Last year, the NFA congress adopted the proposed dates for the restart of the football season, with league football set to make a comeback from the end of February to August, subject to Fifa approval.

The NFA announced that Black Africa, Citizen, Young African, Civics, Orlando Pirates, Blue Waters, Young Brazilians, Tura Magic, Mighty Gunners, Okahandja United, Life Fighters, Tigers and Julinho Sporting were all part of the league.

It was also announced that former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Mabos Vries will be the director of the league.

Hungry for action

“We are now in February as it was promised, but there is nothing going on.

“The players are hungry for action and the clubs are eager to play,” the source said.

Vries acknowledge having received complaints from the clubs.

He, however, noted that it was too early to respond to queries from the media.

“Yes, I know about these clubs and I understand them because I would have also been frustrated if I was in their position.

“We are, however, having meetings as the executive on the way forward.

“Once we are done with the meetings, we will first inform the clubs on the decisions we have taken before informing the media,” he said.

The NFPL replaced the expelled Namibia Premier League, which was booted from NFA structures for not complying with NFA and Fifa directives.

As things stand, the NPL is still fighting against its suspension and the case is at the Court for Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In January, CAS revealed that it has scheduled the appeal hearing to take place via video conference and that the two parties need to confirm their availability.