Some local football fans are upset with the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) management after the First National Bank Women’s Super League match between Beauties and Ongos Ladies was postponed due to the absence of goalposts at the Independence Stadium. 

The match was scheduled for last weekend. 

The goalposts were reportedly being used for the MTC Maris Cup at the Hage Geingob Stadium. 

A visit to the Independence Stadium confirmed the absence of the posts. 

However, regional sport officer Gabriel Katuuo clarified that the stadium has two pairs of goalposts. 

“The issue arose because the NFA did not book the stadium, despite scheduling the match,” he said. 

Katuuo noted that proper logistics are needed before the field can be used, such as cutting the grass, marking clear white lines, and having a referee inspect the field. 

He pointed out that nothing had been done in preparation. 

The teams arrived to find that no approval had been given for the NFA to use the stadium. 

“NFA runs national leagues, and we will never deny them the use of the stadium. In fact, we want to prioritise them, but they must book the field properly. We also need to arrange for the necessary staff to prepare the field. The culture of ignoring rules and procedures is common in this country, but we don’t operate that way,” Katuuo said. 

Football fan Sedekia Nghipuilepo called the situation embarrassing. 

Another fan, Shilongo Talamondjila, suggested that the NFA administration hires capable individuals who are genuinely interested in doing what is necessary. 

Another fan, Maria Paulus, said they turned up at the stadium, and there was no action or explanation as to why there was no game being played. Isack Hamata from the NFA said “Honestly, there’s not much else to say. All we can do now is apologise for what happened. We offer our apologies to the two teams involved, their supporters, and everyone who was looking forward to that exciting match between the Women’s Super League giants.” 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na