WINDHOEK – Charismatic chairman of the Oshana Region Football League under the auspices of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), Franz Mbidi, has emerged a strong candidate to take over the reigns of NFA President, if word flirting out of Football House is to be taken seriously.
Mbidi 51, is touted to become the NFA next president when the association holds its Elective Congress at a yet to be announced venue in December this year. Outgoing NFA President John Muinjo’s term comes to an end this year and the Namibian football supremo has indicated that he will not stand for reelection after serving the required two terms.
In a surprise turn of events, the association’s long serving Deputy President Kornelius Kapenda confirmed to New Era Sports that he will not contest the election citing the Namibian Sports Act of 2003 that prohibits members not to serve more than 10-years.
“We had a dialogue on the succession issue and from my side I fully agree with the outgoing President’s suggestion that NFA future leaders should come from within the association to enhance continuity,” said Kapenda.
Muinjo issued an abbreviated statement in which he strongly recommended and urged members to support the candidacy of Mbidi, who he described as a credible and suitable replacement. “For succession purpose, I have groomed Franz Mbidi to take over from me and am requesting the members to support him.”
When approached to shed light on his imminent entry into the country’s football governing body’s plum position, the streetwise Mbidi, one of the most influential members on the NFA executive tried to pour cold water on the issue but eventually let the cat out of the bag.
He reluctantly admitted that there is a desire from some organs within the NFA hierarchy including the President, that he should stand for the NFA Presidency.
“In actual fact, I’ve been nominated by two regions namely, the North West Division One and Khomas region and dully seconded by the Kavango region. Surely, the NFA Presidency appeals to me.”
As it stands, no other potential candidates have put their hands up for the soon to be vacant NFA Presidency. Deadline for submissions of nominations is set for November 8.