Zebaldt Ngaruka
THE re-elected Black Africa (BA) chairperson, Tomi Adams said the recent call by former players does not hold water.
The players made calls after the team held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Khorixas on 9 November 2024 in the Kunene region.
Amongst the claims raised by the legends is the exclusion of the supporters’ club from the AGM, which was also an elective congress.
The former players were concerned about the transparency of the meeting and procedures.
They claimed that the term of office of the previous leadership expired on 7 November – and as per the 2020 BA constitution, the club must be in the hands of supporters to map the road ahead.
David Fellah Snewe said the damage has already been done. He reasoned that it is difficult to return a team based in Windhoek when it is relegated from the premier league.
He said clubs in Windhoek grab star players, so the team finds itself in a difficult position.
“Our team almost got relegated from the first division last season. What can’t people see? This is uncalled for – the situation for a-once-formidable club,” he said.
Other legends who shared their dissatisfaction were Otto Landsberg, Eric Quest and Moses Muuree Katjiteo. Their prime concern is the BA brand, which they claim is about to die.
They suggest that the team must be given back to the community, and return to its former glory.
The former players are worried about the legacy created by many being destroyed by the leadership of Adams and Sylvester Lolo Goraseb.
Goraseb was elected as vice chairperson at the Khorixas congress. He served as a national supporters’ coordinator during his previous tenure. The executive committee (Exco) members were also elected at the congress.
“We knew that they were going to re-elect themselves. There were 30 people from the church in Khorixas, which they used as supporters. But still, that number will not make a quorum,” said the supporters club spokesperson, Shaun Asprilla Gariseb.
Responding to the claims, Adams said Snewe is the last person to talk about BA.
He said he left the club when he was most needed, and joined Okahandja-based Liverpool for money.
“Quest ran to African Stars, Katjiteo went to Civics, and Otto was a yoyo player between Chief Santos, Young Ones and BA,” the chairperson said. He added that Gariseb is expelled from BA, and has no right or standing to comment on the club’s matters.
“He is basically imposing himself, seeing himself as a messiah. He is a small boy who belongs in a football kindergarten. He thinks he knows everything, while he is my son’s agemate. What does he know?” the chairperson asked.
He said the complainants are part of the group that feels entitled to BA matters unilaterally.
“There is this fake guy sitting in the back, instigating them, because he thinks it must be only about him. Snewe had a discipline problem, so let them not come and try to be holier than God,” he said.
The chairperson informed this publication that BA lost land where it could have built the stadium. He said this was a result of some people who wanted to lead the club.
“We never had a decent time managing the club because of their prima donna attitudes. Let them keep quiet and swallow the blades,” he said.
The chairperson said the club was managed without a constitution and elected Exco members all these years.
“I was there. I know. We have come back, and changed the way things were done. As with all changes, you are bound to get resistance,” he stated.
Adams said there are equal legends who support their endeavours.
“Whose contribution to the success of this team overshadows the other? If they are asking for the team to be given to the community, where do they put us? Are we not part of the community?” he questioned.
Following his re-election as chairperson, he said he would work with the Exco to balance matters by engaging the supporters robustly.
“It goes without saying that we will tackle challenges in unison. I, for one, will not rest until this team is returned to its former glory,” he said.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com