Young African FC’s head coach Maleagi Ngarizemo has strongly urged the Namibia Football Association to urgently address what he describes as worsening refereeing standards in the ongoing Debmarine Namibia Premier League.
The outspoken coach said, the poor officiating is derailing the league’s progress and pushing Namibian football backwards instead of forward.
Ngarizemo did not mince his words, saying: “We want Fifa-accredited referees to handle our games, and games must be categorised, as some are so crucial that a qualified referee must be appointed.”
He further expressed frustration over the lack of proper communication structures within the league. “Imagine a league that has not even called club meetings so clubs can address issues. The leaders are dictators – it’s a one-way show. We can’t wait to finish the league and go autonomous next season, as per the agreement signed by all clubs before this season started.”
He went on to lament the current state of football in the country: “Football is going 10 steps backwards, and that’s why some of us might still consider leaving if good offers come our way on our Premier League status.”
Accusations and chaos
Ngarizemo himself was recently embroiled in controversy after being accused of slapping referee Johannes Ndango following his team’s 3-1 loss to Blue Waters in Walvis Bay earlier this month. However, the coach strongly denied the allegation.
At the time, the NFA’s league director, Mabos Vries, confirmed that the association was aware of the incident and awaiting official reports from the referee, the match assessor, and the general coordinator before issuing a formal position. To date, no official outcome has been made public, raising further questions about transparency and accountability within the NFA.
On-field feud turns dangerous
In a more recent and highly alarming incident, a violent confrontation erupted last weekend involving Blue Waters coach Paulus Shipanga and Bucks Buccaneers coach Ronnie Kanalelo. The altercation reportedly escalated to the point where a knife and a gun were allegedly drawn, stemming from off-pitch tensions that observers also link to officiating frustrations.
Following the incident in Okahandja, Blue Waters FC suspended Shipanga with immediate effect, citing serious allegations of misconduct currently under internal investigation. In the interim, Mammie Kasaona has been appointed acting head coach, with Steven Damaseb continuing as assistant coach.
In response, Bucks Buccaneers clarified that the matter falls under Kanalelo’s personal capacity and should not affect his role at the club. Nonetheless, both coaches were formally suspended by the NFA.
In a statement issued by interim general secretary Cassius Moetie, the football association confirmed: “In accordance with NFA Statutes and the gravity of the incident, the Football Association hereby imposes immediate suspension on both coaches: Filemon Ronnie Kanalelo – Head Coach, Bucks Buccaneers FC, and Paulus Shipanga – head coach, Blue Waters FC.”
The suspension, effective 21 May, will remain in force pending a disciplinary inquiry. Both coaches have been barred from attending any NFA-sanctioned match or training session in an official capacity or performing any technical duties with their clubs.
The two clubs have been instructed to ensure that written statements from their respective coaches detailing the incident are submitted to the NFA by 17h00 today.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the two coaches were on Wednesday seen on social media shaking hands and sharing messages of reconciliation, signalling a possible resolution of personal differences — though the NFA’s disciplinary process remains ongoing.
NFA responds to refereeing concerns
Responding to the widespread criticism, including Ngarizemo’s comments and the growing unrest in the league, NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata acknowledged the complexity of dealing with general allegations of inconsistent or poor refereeing.
“It is indeed challenging to ascertain the veracity of general allegations without specific incidents being formally submitted for investigation. The laws of the game serve as the bedrock for all refereeing decisions, and adherence to these laws is paramount. We encourage any club or individual with concrete concerns to utilise established formal channels for reporting, allowing for proper review and investigation.”
Hamata also reiterated the NFA’s commitment to upgrading the quality of officiating, stating that several training workshops have already been conducted, focusing on areas such as match management, decision-making, and understanding of the Laws of the Game. He further noted that additional referee training is scheduled for the off-season, in a bid to enhance consistency and professionalism.
“The NFA recognises that effective and consistent officiating is vital for the integrity and quality of our game,” he added. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na