The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service came to the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) aid last month by injecting about N$5 million into its operations.

The ministry’s executive director, Erastus Haitengela, confirmed the assistance, stating that the funds were allocated after extensive discussions with the NFA leadership. The N$5 million was intended to cover operational costs.

Haitengela acknowledged the NFA’s history of financial mismanagement, but expressed optimism about the current leadership. “It’s true, we assisted them with funds to pay for the national men’s two World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon and Kenya. Additionally, during our discussions, it was agreed that the funds would also be used to cover operational costs at the NFA.”

Meanwhile, NFA general secretary Charles Siyauya refuted the claims, stating, “It’s not true, because the story you have is entirely wrong. The situation is the other way around. I am heading into a meeting, and once I adjourn, I will provide you with a comprehensive response, including documentation,” he said, without having reverted.

Earlier this year, the national cricket team, the Richelieu Eagles, competed in the T20 World Cup held in Oman. The ministry of sport also assisted them with N$3.2 million for the competition. Cricket Namibia’s chief executive officer Johan Muller confirmed receiving the funds, saying, “Yes, we received the money from the ministry.”

Meanwhile, Haitengela acknowledged that although the funds were processed late, he was glad the team received the money. “We had a meeting with Cricket Namibia, another discipline that is thriving and on its way to the Cricket World Cup. They submitted their budget, but due to receiving it late, the funds were only processed in August after the team returned from the competition,” he stated. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na