Well, Yours Truly has been following with an eagle’s eye all the brouhaha about the sudden emergence of football teams from state-owned entities entering the fray. 

For starters, we need to interrogate this issue with utmost care and proper consideration for future purposes.  Did I hear some pundits say such practice is beneficial to the overall development of the game, as it provides employment opportunities for players?

Some of us have been in this game for many years, and are way past allowing emotions to influence our critical thinking. With all due respect, if you have not lived the game to the fullest as a player, or in any other capacity, it will be difficult to understand the implications of corporate teams in our domestic league. 

Anyway, trying to explain the danger posed by the presence of these teams from Correctional Services (cops), Defence Force (soldiers), is trying to explain to a blind man the difference between light and darkness. For Heaven’s sake, the brother will never grasp it because he has never experienced light in his entire life.

As it stands, Namibia has three teams from the aforementioned Ministries campaigning in the topflight football league, namely Mighty Gunners (squaddies), Khomas Nampol, Mariental Correctional Service (both gattaz). 

Now, the fundamental question that needs to be asked is, should we allow our most treasured asset (football) to become a free-for-all where money dictates the road forward?. 

Frankly speaking, these institutions have no business competing with ordinary citizens because the playing field is not level. 

I stand corrected. These blokes have their traditional multi-sport games yearly competing domestically, regionally and internationally, so stick to your normal routine, or join the local social leagues. Should the current status quo be allowed to go unabated, Namibian football is destined for a silent death, unless NFA introduces hard and fast rules to stop the rot. 

We have already lost big teams with tradition, identity, and history in the shape of Black Africa, Eleven Arrows, SKW, BMC, Orlando Pirates, Chief Santos, Chelsea, Robber Chanties, Benfica, Young Ones, Ramblers, Life Fighters, Liverpool and Rundu Chiefs. 

I’m afraid our top-flight league will be dominated by corporate teams in the near future if we don’t apply the brakes. 

Soon, we will be having Pupkewitz Eleven, Jwala Boys, paddling on the Breweries ticket, Frans Indongo Conquerors, Kadulu Fishing FC, and other encroachers from various financial and banking institutions because of their deep pockets.

Let these companies sponsor established teams, and allow the legacy to continue. Our football is losing its real identity. These corporate teams have no support base, and no history. We should not allow our football to become a playground for every Tom, Dick and Harry. 

It is disgusting hearing people rejoicing the demise of big brands like BA, Fighters and Pirates, not realising their absence leaves a massive void in the history of domestic football.  The renaming of the Katutura stadium is a case in point. A significant number of football followers have distanced themselves from the game that brought so much joy to their wellbeing. 

Certain institutions and historic monuments are of sentimental value, and should be preserved accordingly. I rest my case.