2008-05-22Staff Report 2 By Carlos Kambaekwa WINDHOEK It's a done deal, the Namibian Football Association (NFA) has a new technical director in unknown German national Klaus Stark. Stark has been hastily brought on board by the German Football Federation (DFB) to replace compatriot Jochen Figge, after serious questions were raised over the suitability of Figge, who was earlier this year unveiled in absentia as the new man at the helm of Namibian football. A source close to the NFA revealed that whilst there is no doubt about the competence of Figge, information obtained from his previous employers paint a gloomy picture about his man management skills and the association resolved to look elsewhere. President of the NFA John Muinjo left the country for Kaiserau, Germany, on Sunday, and immediately knuckled down to some serious business with football heavyweights from the DFB. The issue of Figge topped the agenda and the meeting resolved to withdraw with immediate effect the appointment of the 61-year-old Figge, who had previous stints in Ethiopia, Botswana and Swaziland. According to an undated press release signed by the president of NFA, Stark will assume duty at the beginning of August this year and will be primarily responsible for the development of football at all levels in Namibia. Muinjo says the incoming technical director will enjoy full backing from the NFA and will also be given free rein to develop his own curriculum for implementation. The NFA emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the technical director and head coach Arie Schans, in order to prepare upcoming and established footballers within an agreed framework. Muinjo expressed the need for the technical director to acquaint himself with the historical background of Namibian football and urged the new man to pay attention to all regions in an effort to identify and unearth raw talent. The development of Futsal (indoor version of association football) and beach soccer are other areas that will need the attention of the incoming TD, whilst he will also be expected to monitor the co ordination of various FIFA programmes, currently under the auspices of the NFA. In addition, the NFA recommends a licensing system compulsory for all coaches and at all football-playing schools in conjunction with the National Schools Sports Union (NSSU). It is also expected from the new TD to identify and nominate an assistant with the view of taking over from him when his term expires. The well-travelled Stark is upbeat about his new challenge and says he is looking forward to start working with the NFA and aims to restore Namibian football back to its former glory days. The 55-year old former VfB Stuttgart prot??????'?? 2008-05-22Staff Report 2
