The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has made a slew of changes at Football House – from appointing a new secretary general (SG) to roping in former SG Barry Rukoro.
On the sidelines of the just-ended Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup in Gobabis, the NFA Executive Council introduced Charles Siyauya as SG, replacing Jacqueline Shipanga, who was installed as acting SG on 1 March 2024.
She replaced Jochen Traut, who was initially appointed interim SG by the Fifa Normalisation in July 2022 for 12 months. His contract was then extended until February this year.
Siyauya’s selection followed a rigorous application and interview process, impressing the council with his strong leadership track record and academic qualifications, including a Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Education.
NFA president Robert Shimooshili expressed confidence in Siyauya’s ability to lead the association into a new era.
“His passion for sports extends beyond football, as he closely follows local athletics, boxing, rugby and volleyball,” added Shimooshili.
Siyauya expressed his commitment to the role and called for cooperation from the staff.
Meanwhile, Rukoro will serve on a subcommittee.
Shimooshili said he is focused on peace and unity, and he wants the former SG to share his invaluable experience.
Rukoro has not yet agreed to the role, but he explained to New Era Sport that the committee’s task is to advise the executive committee on various issues and to monitor processes.
On top of that, the NFA, according to reliable sources within Football House, is planning to make changes to the Warriors’ technical staff, with head coach Collin Benjamin set to retain his position and authority to appoint two staff members under him.
Benjamin is, as it stands, assisted by Ronnie Kanalelo as well as Arnold Subeb (goalkeeper coach), Garren Smith (strength and conditioning coach), Julia Halweendo (medic), Helvi Eliakim, Cyril Issacs (team managers), Immanuel Mundendje, Joshua Hoebeb and Fabian Trager (video analyst), who all served as part of the technical team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Requests to NFA to confirm the rumours have not yet been answered, with Shimooshili only saying all will be revealed to the public through the media in due time.
- lmupetami@nepc.com.na