By Kuvee Kangueehi WINDHOEK The Namibia Football Association will appoint a new coach for the Brave Warriors by the end of March. The NFA Technical Director Seth Boois told New Era yesterday that the hunt for the national team’s gaffer should be over in five weeks’ time. ” We will definitely have a national team coach for the senior side come the end of March.” The Technical Director said he had received between seventeen and twenty applications from coaches as far as Europe and has submitted the applications to the office of the NFA President Petrus Damaseb. “The closing date for the applications was 17 February and I am happy with the response that we got from the coaches out there.” Boois was however disappointed that only two coaches, namely, Shepard Murape and Ali Akhan, both foreigners with permanent residence, are the only local applicants. Murape is currently coaching Blue Waters FC and had a short spell with the Brave Warriors in the early 1990s. Murape was also voted coach of the year two seasons ago. Akhan has a good record and has a number of silverware to show for his coaching time at club level in the country. However, it is his relationship with the motherbody, especially the NFA executive, that limits his chances of even being considered for the top position. Akhan is on record for criticizing the current leadership for the poor state of football in the country, action the soccer leadership did not take kindly. One would expect bridges to be mended before Akhan can be housed in the Brave Warriors camp. Akhan last week parted ways with local club United Africa Tigers and not on very good terms. The outspoken Akhan, who has been in charge of the club since August 2005, cited lack of cooperation from the club management as the contributing factor for his departure. The Turkish-born gaffer, prior to joining United Africa Tigers, had a stint with a number of clubs like Black Africa, Blue Waters, Windhoek Optics Ramblers and Buschschule Civics. Tigers Chairman Kelly Asser claimed that Akhan failed to keep his promise, one of instilling discipline in the players. Contrary to what Akhan said, Tigers’ management gave Akhan hundred percent support, said Asser. Boois also revealed that a panel of local experts would do the selection. “Be rest assured that we will get this one right.” He however could not reveal the names of the people who serve on the panel but noted that the NFA will choose the best candidate to move Namibian football, especially the Brave Warriors, to the next step. The Technical Director further noted although they have some plans in the pipeline he could not reveal them, as the finer details of the plans must be done in consultation with the new coach. He however said football lovers can expect to see their team in action during Easter.