In its bid to rejoin Namibia’s topflight domestic league, the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), now rebranded as Green Family, is exploring every possible avenue to compete in the Debmarine Premiership.
Earlier this year, the team was disqualified from participating in the Namibia Premier League (NPL) due to its affiliation with the Ministry of Safety and Security, which also owns and funds Khomas Nampol, a club already competing in the Debmarine Premiership.
The Namibia Football Association (NFA)’s rules and regulations state that the league prohibits two clubs with the same owner from competing.
To comply, NCS must come under new management to be eligible for entry.
Following the dismissal of their appeal by the High Court, the team is now seeking alternative methods to return to the topflight league.
A source close to the club disclosed that they are considering transitioning to new management, which would also involve securing funding from a different entity.
“The club is evaluating various options to allow them to compete in the premier league. Talks are underway to acquire the status of Young African. They have submitted a new document to the NFA, outlining how the club would operate under the new management and funding structure, which, once approved, should place them in a position to re-enter the topflight league,” the source revealed.
Additionally, the club has explored acquiring the status of Gobabis-based outfit Young African.
Club owner Mally Ngarizemo confirmed these discussions, stating: “Yes, we have been approached by NCS regarding the sale of our club’s status. They haven’t made a final decision yet, as they’re still considering it. Once the deal is concluded, we will make an announcement”.
Ngarizemo shared that Young African recently lost access to the main field in Gobabis, the Legare Stadium, following eviction by the municipality.
“This arrangement would make sense for us, as we currently have no stadium for league games in Gobabis. The deal would allow us to acquire their first-division status, and compete in that league,” he noted.
Football analyst Hesron Kapanga said NCS is taking the right steps to return to the league, especially considering the alleged double standards applied by the NFA.
He questioned the need for legal action when a simpler solution like acquiring a new status could have been pursued earlier.
“This situation highlights the NFA’s double standards. NCS spent resources to qualify for the league, and they have every right to explore different avenues for entry.
If they’re going to secure new management, it’s curious why they didn’t take this route before pursuing the court case,” he shared.
Last month, reports surfaced that Dolam-based team Orlando Pirates, who faced relegation, were considering acquiring the status of Khomasdal outfit Civics to make their way back into the premier league.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na