Windhoek

The Namibia Football Players Union (NAFPU) has introduced veteran football administrator and maiden chairman of the country’s flagship league, the Namibia Premier League (NPL), Hendrik Christian, as the special advisor to the union’s presidency.

Amongst other issues, the often-misunderstood football guru will advise the secretariat on contractual matters and will mentor staff members, while also overseeing the successful implementation of various programmes, including the interpretation of laws and regulations governing the game of football in its entirety.

Announcing Christian’s appointment yesterday, NAFPU interim president Lolo Goraseb said, as young football leaders who are on a journey of evolving domestic football, it is highly important for the union to tap into the wisdom of someone who has administered football at the highest level.

“If there is anyone out there who has witnessed the birth of local football in post-Independence Namibia, equally serving football at the highest level, that person would be Hendrik Christian.

“Being a founder member of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and the NPL in 1990, before he became the NPL chairman between 1992 and 1994 and with all his vast experience I can confidently boast that NAFPU is certainly heading in right direction and is properly equipped to serve the players’ interest,” Goraseb concluded.

Also welcoming the veteran football administrator to the NAFPU fold was the union’s secretary-general, Olsen Kahiriri. He said the arrival of Christian would further amplify their efforts to bring lasting prosperity to local footballers, while bettering the working conditions of players.

In his acceptance speech Christian expressed gratitude towards the NAFPU leadership for granting him another opportunity to serve football and the players’ interests. He believes the experience he gained over the years will help create a more conducive environment for local footballers.

Namibian football great Oscar Mengo also welcomed Christian’s appointment, saying his contribution to Namibian football is unquestionable.

“He is one of the very few Namibians who knows and understands football and its laws. I’m really happy to hear that he is now back in football and back in a new capacity. He served Namibian football when conditions were tough during the apartheid era, but firmly stood by his principles and morals, so I really think he is the right man for the job,” said the African Stars and Kaizer Chiefs legend.