Maqonda Ndlovu
The Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) says the annual general meeting, convened by one faction of Black Africa (BA) in July, was not held under the provisions of the constitution of Black Africa.
In a letter addressed to BA yesterday, SSFD chairman Murs Markus said the executive committee (SSFD) had carefully considered all correspondences from the two factions (one led by Thomas Adams and the other by Bonnie Paulino), and concluded that the team was under the constitution that was adopted on 26 October 2020.
“The league requested additional information from both committees, and they (both) failed to submit it after they were allowed to solve the ongoing leadership saga independently. The league
has made the ruling since the negotiations between the respective committees failed,” the letter said.
Based on the information available to the SSFD and the confirmation by the Namibia Football Association, the constitution, adopted in 2020, is the legal one, as it was in force when the club was relegated from the Namibia Premier Football League in the 2022/23 season.
When contacted for comment, Thomas Adams, the chairperson of the ‘legal’ executive committee of BA, said he fully agreed with the ruling, and that they will now get the ball rolling to prepare and partake in the upcoming season.
“I urge all involved to respect this decision and put BA at the forefront, rather than pushing individual agendas. We have been having meetings for the past one-and-a-half months to try and solve this, but some people have not been honest in their reporting,” Adams said.
He added that after receiving the communication from the SSFD, he had attempted to reach out to the other camp to set up another meeting, which would then map the way forward and attempt to unite the two camps – but to no avail.
Meanwhile, Paulino said the decision was hogwash, but they had expected it.
“They never wanted us; they waited until the NFA Congress to come so they could make a decision. They are referring rightfully elected people to a constitution that does not exist,” Paulino said.
He said they would soon sit down and discuss the way forward.
Despite multiple attempts, Markus could not be reached for comment, as he was busy attending the NFA Exco meeting.