Former footballer and current Okahandja United chairman Congo Hindjou has raised serious concerns about the Namibia Football Association’s handling of preparations for the upcoming 2024/2025 football season, which is set to start on 21 September. 

He pointed out several pitfalls, putting a spotlight on the fact that the NFA has failed to adequately plan and engage clubs on critical matters, leaving many in the dark just weeks before the season’s commencement.

He further questioned how the league could begin without proper coordination between the league and NFA leadership. 

“It is standard practice for the NFA leadership to conduct workshops on fixtures and budgets with clubs before each season begins. 

“Given that we are operating under the FA league model, this is a responsibility that the executive must uphold,” he stated.

A key issue, according to Hindjou, is the vacancy in the league’s chairman position, which remains unfilled after the former chairman assumed the presidency of the NFA. 

“This means that, to date, we have not had any meetings with the FA as clubs. The last such meeting was in November 2023,” he noted. 

He stated that his intention is not to be perceived as a rebel, but rather to highlight the lack of communication and planning that has left clubs without crucial information ahead of the season.

When asked if Okahandja United had expressed grievances to the NFA directly, he revealed that they had made several attempts to request meetings but received no response. “We tried many times to call for meetings, but without any luck. How do you go and engage sponsors without engaging the clubs first? We must discuss the seasonal budget with the NFA before they go out to seek sponsorship for the league. How are you going to talk to sponsors on behalf of the clubs without hearing from the clubs?” he questioned.

He further expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding sponsorship for the upcoming season. 

“At this moment, we are unaware of who the sponsor is, or whether the FA has secured sponsorship – and if so, when it will be announced. Furthermore, while we are receiving letters to register players, it is challenging for a club to sign players without knowing the budget. We need clarity on the budget for the season, including the monthly grants,” he said.

He stressed the importance of having a league chairman to facilitate communication between clubs and the NFA leadership. “Currently, we do not have a league chairman, making it very difficult to effectively communicate our concerns to the NFA leadership. This is an abnormal situation, and it is creating unnecessary challenges. All we want is to play football. As a club, we create employment for our players, but they are losing out on salaries to provide for their families,” he stated.

In a plea to the football community, Hindjou urged anyone close to the football leadership to help them understand the importance of resolving these issues. 

He outlined key steps for the NFA’s consideration: “Call a meeting with the clubs first. Workshop the seasonal budget with the clubs. Workshop the league fixtures with the clubs, and ensure the acceptance of the three new teams by the Namibia Premier Football League at their annual general meeting as new members. 

“Announce the sponsorship for the 2024/25 season. Launch the 2024/25 season. Call a meeting to elect a league chairman. After the sponsorship announcement and the league launch, give clubs six weeks to prepare for the league kick-off”.

Hindjou concluded by expressing understanding the passion Namibians have for football, stating that the current situation at the NFA should not be seen as a lack of support from the clubs for the current leadership. 

“Football belongs to the clubs, players, supporters and those investing money in the sport. Let’s do what is right for the love of the game,” he said.

Young Africans’ owner Maleagi Ngarizemo also expressed frustration over the NFA’s lack of engagement. “We too have tried, without success, to engage the NFA, as we have questions ahead of the new season but to no avail,” he said.

The concerns raised by Hindjou and Ngarizemo reflect a growing unease among football clubs as they prepare for a season clouded by uncertainty and lack of communication from the NFA. 

With the clock ticking down to the scheduled start, all eyes will be on the NFA to see how they address these critical issues. 

Detailed questions sent to the NFA were not responded to before going to print.  -lmupetami@nepc.com.na