Progressive forces now progressive enemies

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISAWINDHOEKA group calling themselves the Progressive Forces are divided over the manner in which the country’s football affairs are being managed.Although having very little in common apart from fighting their predecessors, the group last year joined forces to ensure that current NFA president Ranga 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,” Haikali said at the time.Now that he is firmly in control, Haikali’s Football House is once again hogging the back pages of local newspapers, as the once-strong coalition is disintegrating.Today, the NFA president and some of his executives are distancing themselves from this group they once claimed to be a part of.A year after claiming power, the scramble for financial resources at the NFA has pitted former allies against each other.Revelations of a N$2.5 million tender for the introduction of the Fifa e-connect programme is at the centre of it all.There are claims that NFA secretary-general Franco Cosmas awarded the tender without following procedure or getting the necessary approval from the executive committee.“My understanding is that some of the people who were promised a piece of this cake had already bought computers and other equipment so that they could get the tender.“It is also understood that the head of the NFA had interest in swinging the tender in his favour, so that one of the companies he owns takes the tender,” a senior source in the NFA alleged.It is alleged that the NFA secretariat authorised a company to disinfect Football House for N$70 000 and N$55 000.Haikali was made aware of the tender and blocked it, though, and the association managed to get a cheaper deal for N$3 000.The lavish jet-setter lifestyle of sleeping in the finest hotels is one of the things alleged to be causing division among the NFA executives.It is understood that some members received travel allowances for recent trips, while others feel they are being denied the opportunity. The issue of Cosmos’s employment contract – he wanted a five-year contract, while Haikali was only prepared to give him a three-year term – also caused some cracks in the association.“When this progressive force came in, they formed a coalition not because of the interest in football at heart but it was more a promise of riches among themselves.“It was more about coming to do what Barry Rukoro was accused of doing and this was by giving each other tenders and enriching themselves.“Things have however backfired because you can’t please everyone and because some inside the forces have realised that some are no different than thieves,” another source said.DividedIt is understood that plots are being orchestrated to unseat Haikali with a vote of no confidence.Namibian Sun understands that Khomas, Karas, Otjozondjupa, the Namibia Premier Football League (NFPL) and three members of the executive are teaming up against Haikali.Haikali is said to have the backing of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, Erongo, Omaheke, Kavango East, Kavango West and Kunene.The Women’s Football Desk, the referees and all but three members of the NFA executive are also said to be backing Haikali. Neither Haikali nor Cosmos was available for comment.

Progressive forces now progressive enemies

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-26

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Progressive forces now progressive enemies

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-26

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