Zebaldt Ngaruka
Following a recent High Court decision in favour of the Thomas Adams-led Black Africa (BA) executive committee, the team’s supporters' club will be gathering at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School in Katutura on Sunday to deliberate on the judgment and chart the way forward.
Judge Herman Oosthuizen, in the matter between two factions of BA, ruled on 5 April that the Adams-led executive committee was the legitimate one because the constitution of Black Africa Sports Club, dating back to 2020, is valid.
He said the Bonnie Paulino-led faction had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their constitution, dated 2023, is valid.
Amongst others, the judge found that the executive committee, under Paulino’s stewardship and chaired by Okeri Mbingeneeko, is not legitimate, and does not have legal standing action in the club’s name.
In an interview with New Era Sport, Shaun Asprilla Gariseb, one of the concerned BA supporters, said the purpose of the meeting is to be briefed by the Paulino-led faction on the way forward, following the High Court pronouncement a few weeks ago. “This is an important gathering, as it is aimed at painting a clear picture on the way forward, and we must come all,” Gariseb said.
The division in the team caused disarray, and this broke down the morale of the supporters. Thus, he urged them to come in numbers and hear from the management.
“These differences are not good for both the club and us supporters. Imagine, the team known as King of Cups in the country find themselves in this situation,” he stated.
The spokesperson of the concerned supporters is also disappointed that the NFA Cup is coming, and doubtful that the glamour club will be participating.
“Imagine, our team is now based in Rehoboth, which is not our home ground. A team without supporters is nothing, and it must include all stakeholders with strong leadership,” fumed Gariseb.
According to him, it is very painful to see the club playing without supporters, and even changing its base to Rehoboth.
“We really do not enjoy the current state of affairs. We know the underlying truth is not what the court reflected. But we respect that. That is why the supporters are not rallying behind the winning faction.”
Gariseb opined that the current issue are tarnishing the name of BA, and the loser here will be BA.
The recognised supporters’ branches are Otjozondjupa, //Kharas, Omaheke, Hardap and Khomas.
The meeting starts at 14h00.