WINDHOEK – There is a new sheriff at Football House. This after Namibia Football Association (NFA) presidential candidate Frans Mbidi, emerged unscathed, at the ill-fated 24th Ordinary Congress in Windhoek on Saturday.
The eagerly awaited Elective Congress was marred by controversy that propelled Mbidi’s challenger Ranga Haikali and his henchmen to walk out – leaving Mbidi to contest the NFA Presidency unopposed to become the eighth NFA president.
Mbidi garnered an astounding total of 19 votes from a possible 25 in the conspicuous absence of both Erongo and //Karas regions. The two regions which reportedly declared their support for Haikali were deemed ineligible by the election directorate to take part in the election since they are not in good standing with the country’s football authorities.
The gathering, under the strict supervision of FIFA accredited observers went ahead with the majority of the delegates resolving to proceed with the election. Two of Haikali’s allies remained behind only to withdraw their nominations.
Long-serving NFA executive member and chairperson of the Omaheke Region, Croocks Nunuheb was elevated to the plum seat of NFA second vice-president while the likeable Kavango Region calculated chairman Naftal Ngalangi replaced Kornelius Kapenda as the first vice-president.
Zambezi Region’s representative Oscar Mulonda, alongside old hands, Roger Kambatuku and Alma Mupupa, Jacob Haindonga, Shali Amakali and Stephanus Shimbike secured their seats on the NFA Executive Committee without having to shed an ounce of sweat following the eleventh hour withdrawal of their opponents.
Despite the shock workout, the three-member NFA Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) under the stewardship of Ambrosius Tierspoor, Moses Ikanga and Afrika Jantjies, expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the gathering was conducted with FIFA observers declaring the election free and fair.
At the same occasion, the congress decided to honour outgoing NFA president John Muinjo, in the most dignified manner. The likeable Muinjo was deservedly bestowed with the title of NFA Honorary President.
By Carlos
Kambaekwa