Zebaldt Ngaruka
Black Africa (BA) is finding the going tough in the Southern Stream First Division League (SSFDL), as the team sits at the bottom of the league table with only two victories from 13 games played so far.
The team’s position on the log is worrisome to club supporters, who are blaming the administration for the team’s predicament.
Anton van Wyk, BA’s executive secretary, says the team’s performance at the conclusion of the first round has undoubtedly placed BA in an unenviable position.
“As BA, we acknowledge the challenges that come with being at the bottom of the log standings, but we view this as an opportunity to show our resilience and determination,” he said.
Van Wyk noted that the team is committed to learning from experiences as they embark on the road ahead.
“We also have to strengthen our weaknesses and strive for success in the matches to come. Together as management, players, coaches and supporters, we will rise above this moment,” he vowed.
He further urged the club’s supporters to keep rallying behind the team.
“Your passion and belief in this club are the foundation of BA’s legacy. Now is the time to stand strong and united,” the administrator said.
He said the supporters’ chants, energy, and unwavering commitment spur the players on and inspire them to fight harder on the field.
“We need your voices, your presence, your pride. Together we can turn the tide and make this season one to remember. Let’s show the world what the Lively Lions are truly made of. BA has always been about heart, and with your support, we can achieve greatness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shawn Asprilla Gariseb, speaking for the supporters, said they are concerned the club’s leadership does not see the need for unity among members and supporters.
“As supporters, we are angry and concerned not only about poor results but because the current leadership does not see anything wrong with that.”
He said the supporters have reached out to management, but they did not reciprocate, which brought suspicions of them having ulterior motives the supporters did not understand.
“This is uncalled for because they are failing the team,” he said.
Gariseb added that he even asked vice chairperson Lolo Goraseb if he was not worried, and his response was that “I was a small boy and BA would not go down”.
“These leaders don’t have vision and are just there to destroy the brand. They must give the team back to the community they hijacked it from after extending their mandate in Khorixas, using ghost members,” he said.
The supporters’ spokesperson is also angry at the leadership’s decision to play its home matches in Rehoboth while the majority of the team’s fans are in Windhoek.
“I was worried about the number of fans in BA’s encounter against old rivals Orlando Pirates at the Independence Stadium. I counted 10 supporters plus a vice chairperson,” Gariseb said.
He added that BA supporters are staying away from the team’s matches because they are not happy.
“Imagine my location team has 100 supporters at games every Sunday in Ben Appolus Street, which is more than what current BA matches attract. If BA is to be revived, it must consider its fans as we don’t have confidence in the current leadership,” he said.
Gariseb believes the current leadership doesn’t value the fans, doesn’t understand, or value unity.
“They extended their mandate illegally. We know that. It is a classical situation of monkeys having taken over the car but being unable to drive,” Gariseb said.
Meanwhile, the former Cup Kings, despite their recent victory against old rivals Orlando Pirates in Rehoboth last week, remain bottom of the SSFDL with a paltry six points. -zngaruka@yahoo.com