The Namibia Football Association (NFA) league director Mabos Vries has spoken out strongly against violence in football, following allegations that Young African head coach Maleagi Ngarizemo physically assaulted referee Johannes Ndango after his team’s 3-1 loss to Blue Waters in Walvis Bay this past weekend.
Vries said the NFA is aware of such an incident and is awaiting official reports from the referee, the match assessor, and the general coordinator before issuing a formal position.
However, Vries emphasised that the NFA does not condone any form of violence, regardless of the circumstances. “Whether the claims are found to be true or not, we want to be clear that we condemn violence in football in the strongest possible terms,” he stated.
The controversy erupted after football fan Prince Benhardt took to social media, questioning why Ngarizemo allegedly continues to escape punishment for such behaviour.
Ngarizemo responded via social media, denying the accusations. “People must stop spreading lies. In my whole football career, I have never laid a hand on any referee- why would I start now?”
While denying the assault, Ngarizemo stirred further controversy by accusing the former chairman of Blue Waters of being involved in referee appointments, suggesting the move was designed to ensure Blue Waters avoids relegation. His post has drawn widespread criticism, with many calling it irresponsible and damaging to the integrity of the league.
Current Blue Waters chairman Matheus Haufiku released a strongly worded statement distancing the club from Ngarizemo’s accusations and affirming their commitment to fair play. “Blue Waters Sport Club would like to categorically condemn allegations of match-fixing and referee tampering,” he said. “After seemingly failing to accept defeat, Ngarizemo went on social media to allege that a former Blue Waters chairperson is now in charge of referees. This is pure sour grapes from someone who did not get the result he wanted.”
Haufiku added that such accusations not only damage the reputation of Blue Waters but also undermine the image of Namibian football as a whole. “As a seasoned football guru, we hold Ngarizemo in high regard, but these accusations must be challenged. If he has proof of referee tampering, he must present it. If not, we will pursue legal remedies to protect our club’s integrity, which has been built over 89 years.”
Addressing Blue Waters’ own struggles in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership, Haufiku said the club is focused on addressing internal challenges and improving their performance through proper administrative and technical reforms. “We’ve had questionable decisions go against us in the past, but we’ve never questioned the integrity of our opponents or officials. We would rather be relegated on merit than compromise the sport with underhanded tactics.”
He concluded by urging the media to direct further queries about Ngarizemo’s conduct to the relevant football authorities and wished Young African FC well in the remaining league matches.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na