WINDHOEK – The battle for the coveted Namibia Football Association (NFA) presidency has left a sting in the tail with one of the leading contenders Ranga Haikali and the association’s long-serving Secretary-General Barry Rukoro at each other’s throats.
At the centre of the storm is unpleasant utterances published in an English weekly attributed to Rukoro. The latter summarily condemned the candidacy of Haikali – describing the Namibian business mogul as a journeyman in the area of football administration.
“You have a football club owner who after losing an election four years ago decided to neglect his role on the Namibia Premier League (NPL) Board of Governors (BoGs). He simply disappeared and neglected his role at NPL but now he hears that there will be an Elective Congress, decides again to come back.”
Haikali did not take kindly to Rukoro’s comments and hit back, cautioning the outspoken football official not to overstep his boundaries. “While I’m not surprised that Rukoro said those words, I will not be surprise if he denies it and claim he was quoted out of context.”
Haikali added that the NFA Secretariat should leave due process of nominations to take place as in terms of the statutes. He further notes that there is an Independent Electoral Commission (EC) that is tasked to screen candidates and cautioned the secretariat particularly Rukoro to keep a healthy distance from this area.
“My best advise to the secretary-general is stop interfering in the nomination process because his interference raises serious questions as to what would happen if his preferred candidate is not successful?
Haikali reassured the NFA Secretariat not to live in fear of reprisals since he is not out to usher anybody through the exit door should he take over the reins. “I want efficiency in the administration of domestic football and it should also be noted that I have accepted the 2010 results and moved on.”
Haikali is adamant his commitment towards the growth of football is unquestionable as can be attested by what he has achieved since taking over the reins at BA, a remarkable resume of four consecutive league titles – certainly no mean feat.
“I will also like to make it categorically clear that my sporadic absence from BoG Meetings is a strategic arrangement within the structures of BA.
We have adopted a rotational basis sharing responsibilities between myself, Kandas Pailino, Cassius Moetie and Doris Lambert.”
The irate business mogul claims to have been assisting financially crippled regions such as Erongo, Hardap, Kavango and Karas through his club BA.
By Carlos Kambaekwa