Though his football credentials are sketchy, Charles Siyauya shot to fame as an uncompromising political activist mobilising support for the ruling Swapo in his native Zambezi region since his youth days, until he rose to become the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) spokesperson.
Born in Schuckmansburg, Kabbe Constituency of Zambezi region on 10 March 1975, the energetic fearless young Siyauya was destined for greatness. Sadly, he transitioned to eternity just seven days shy of his 50th birthday. May his gentle soul rest in ancestral power.
At the time of his untimely departure, Siyauya served as the Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general. He was appointed in the hot-seat in April last year. Prior to his tenure at Football House, Siyauya was employed by the University of Namibia at the Katima Campus in the administration department.
He was the proud holder of several academic qualifications including Master’s degree of Arts in Security and Strategic studies, Bachelor’s degree in Education and Politics activity. He also occupied the high-profile portfolio of secretary for information and mobilisation for the SPYL, a position he held with great aplomb.
Additionally, his rich resume includes shepherding the Bukalo Village Council occupying the portfolio of chairman.
Meanwhile, messages of condolence have been pouring in from clubs and the country’s highest sport governing body, the National Sport Commission (NSC).
“The NSC board, staff and the entire sport fraternity mourns the untimely passing of Charles Sikabongo Siyauya, secretary-general of the Namibia Football Association.
His unwavering commitment towards the growth of Namibian football and impartial leadership will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire sport fraternity during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in peace,” read a statement from the NSC.
World’s football governing body FIFA through its secretary-general Mattias Grafstorm also joined the chorus of sympathisers expressing sorrow on the sudden departure of the NFA head of administration.
Regional football umbrella body Cosafa also weighed in with a message of condolences. Zambia Football Association (FAZ) also sent words of comfort to their Namibian counterparts and the bereaved family.
“To my brother president Robert Shimooshili and the bereaved Siyauya family, I wish you strength and God’s guidance in this dark hour,” wrote FAZ president Andrew Kamanga.
“It’s with great sadness that we learnt of the sad passing of the NFA secretary-general Charles Siyauya. Ramblers Soccer Academy and Football Club extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire Namibian football fraternity during this difficult time,” read a brief statement from one of the country’s pioneers of domestic club football.
Siyauya’s death follows shortly after that of another great sports personality from the Zambezi region Jack Mabuku, a great man of substance. May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace.
A memorial service in his honour will be held at Paul Elliot Hiskia Technical Centre at 14h00 today, while the body of Siyaya will be flown to Katima Mulilo on Sunday 9 March, before the second memorial services is held on Monday at 13h00.
Siyaya will be buried on Tuesday, 1 March at Bukalo village, about 40 kilometres west of Katima Mulilo.
Meanwhile, Cassius Moetie has been appointed NFA interim secretary general.