WINDHOEK
A five-day FIFA Futuro III Administration and Management course started in the capital yesterday.
Twenty participants from seven Zone Six countries are taking part in the course presented by four instructors. The countries are Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia.
Speaking at the official opening yesterday, FIFA Development Officer for Southern Africa Ashford Mamelodi said FIFA is trying to develop its own experts in the Southern African region, therefore the 20 participants were evaluated on their potential to become future FIFA administrators, managers and instructors.
The course will be presented by four instructors who have gone through a number of Futuro courses for administration and administration.
They are Frederick Ngomezulu from Swaziland, Fidelis Banda (Zambia), Sipho Nkumane (South Africa) and Mathew Haikali (Namibia).
Another refresher course will be presented in Tanzania in September, Memelodi said.
Namibian Sports Minister John Mutorwa, who officially opened the course, said administration and management in every aspect of life are very important components to determine the progress of success or the lack thereof.
Said Mutorwa: “Sports as an industry is supposed to be run on efficient and effective administration. One can not expect success if the administration and management and leadership are found wanting.”
He added that the problems that bedevil sports are not because of the players but because of the leadership that is not functioning well which, therefore, leads the team in the wrong direction.
Mutorwa said the course is to empower the participants for the 2010 FIFA World Cup set for South Africa and the African Cup of Nations in the same year in Angola.
He said the 2010 World Cup would be an historical one, as it will be held on African soil for the first time.
Therefore, he urged the participants and the rest of the continent to prove that Africa is like any other continent.
Said Mutorwa: “If the event is held successfully, we can change the prejudice and stigma that is always attached to Africa. If we pull it off, I am sure that more major sports events will follow.”
The course will cover topics such as FIFA Statutes, FIFA Development, Finance, Club Management, Planning, Competitions, Marketing, Events Management and Communication.