Zebaldt Ngaruka
Former players of the once-formidable football club in Namibia, Black Africa (BA), are not happy, as supporters were excluded from the club’s annual general meeting (AGM), which was an elective congress.
The AGM plays an essential role in the governance of organisations, allowing stakeholders to discuss key issues, make strategic decisions, and foster transparency.
On 9 November 2024, the club held its elective congress in Khorixas, where Tomi Adams retained the top seat as chairperson.
Former BA sensat ional midfielder Sylvester Lolo Goraseb is his deputy.
New Era Sport desk caught up with some legendary players, who shed light on their dissatisfaction with the just-ended AGM.
Leading the legend pack is Otto Landsberg, who said on a community-centred club like BA, an AGM is an opportunity for supporters to participate in the club’s direction and voice their concerns, ideas and aspirations.
“This was not the case with the recent Khorixas congress, as it has left many supporters dissatisfied and excluded,” he said.
He stated that the meeting has raised questions about the club’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.
The former central defender said by involving the supporters, clubs ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the entire community, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
“For those who could not attend the AGM, there were no accessible channels for information, such as live streaming, recorded sessions or detailed minutes,” Landsberg stated.
He said the limitations left many feeling uninformed about the club’s strategic plans, financial health and other important matters.
He opined that to restore trust and mend relationships, BA must adopt a more inclusive approach toward future AGMs.
He s a i d i m p r o v e d communication channels are necessary to make sure that all stakeholders receive timely notifications, with clear details about the AGM agenda and participation options.
Supporters must be given time to raise their concerns, ask questions, and share ideas that could transform the meeting into a platform where fans feel acknowledged and valued.
“Transparent reporting and follow-ups on the AGM outcome are crucial. Sharing minutes, resolutions and action items through public channels will reassure supporters that their input has been considered, and keep everyone informed on the club’s progress and plans,” he said.
Former prolific goalscorer David Snewe said the damage has already been done, and he does not know what the current leadership is holding on.
“The team has been relegated to the first division, and it almost fell to the third-tier league last season. What is going on? What can they not see?” asked the former striker.
He stated that it is difficult to bring the Windhoek team to the premier league once it is relegated, compared to a team from outside.
This is because once the team is relegated, the other teams in the league grab the best players.
“There is no way the best players will play where they will be earning little money,” he said.
He urged people to come together to rescue the team.
“There are people behind there, who are fuelling the whole process. This team is about to disappear. People are using others, which is bad for the club,” Snewe said.
He added that it disheartening to see the legacy created by others being destroyed in that fashion.
Eric Quest, former BA midfielder , said he was embarrassed to hear that the team is playing in the first division. “BA is an idolised club, the most successful football in Namibian football history. Just admit it and give the team back to the people who can properly manage this brand,” said the legend, who failed to understand the current situation at his club.
“Every house has its problems – but at BA, we always had a culture whereby we could sit around the table and resolve our differences for the benefit of the team,” he said.
The former midfielder then called on the current leadership to give back the team to the people.
Wrapping up was Moses Muure Katjiteo, who said it is unfortunate that BA is being humiliated by the people who must be the first to protect it.
“I know very well that BA helped many of its players in many aspects. It even paid for Lolo’s education – but one wonders why he, at the forefront, is breaking the legacy left by many,” said the former defender.
He stated that the contribution and the foundation left by others are imbalanced.
“I played with Lolo. I know him very well, and he was not among the best disciplined in the team. I don’t know what is he trying to achieve in the whole situation,” Katjiteo said.
This publication is reliably informed that the affected supporters’ club and legends have forwarded their complaints and dissatisfaction report on the matter to the Namibia Football Association and Fifa.
“We already knew they were going to re-elect themselves. We knew there was not going to be transparency, and that was an illegal AGM, which was not properly convened as per the 2020 constitution,” said Shaun Gariseb, the spokesperson of the concerned BA supporters.
He said there were 30 people from a church, who were called to make it look like they were delegates. “Even with that number, they had no quorum,” he said.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com