Maqonda Ndlovu
World football governing body Fifa has paid tribute to the late Namibian President Hage Geingob, saying he was an important figure in the country’s history and independence and recognised as a distinguished servant of the people.
In a letter addressed to NFA president Robert Shimooshili, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Geingob’s legacy and achievements will be remembered, and he will be truly missed.
“On behalf of the members of the international football community, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to you, your government, the population of Namibia, and, most importantly, to Hage G. Geingob’s family and loved ones,” Infantino said.
Meanwhile, Cosafa president Artur de Almeida Silva said the loss of President Geingob is not only a profound one for Namibia but for the entire African continent.
“His unwavering dedication to football advancement in Namibia and across Africa has left an indelible mark on the sport. President Geingob embodied the true spirit of African pride and unity, and his contributions to football development were immense,” he said.
He added that, as Cosafa’s president, he had the privilege of witnessing President Geingob’s passion for the game and his commitment to using football as a tool for social cohesion and progress.
“His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts will be sorely missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of football enthusiasts in Namibia and beyond. During this difficult time of mourning, please know that the entire Cosafa family stands in solidarity with you and the Namibian Football Association. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to shine brightly,” Almeida Silva said.
Meanwhile, the Namibia Sports Commission Chief Administrator, Freddy Mwiya, said they will open a book of condolences at their office.
“Namibians in the sports industry can come to our office this afternoon to sign the book. Any sports personalities and federations are free to come and write their message to our departed president or leave a letter.
We will then submit this book to the authorities on the day of the funeral, and it will become part of the history and legacy of the late Geingob,” he explained.
Veteran sports journalist Carlos Kambaekua said President Geingob inspired him to write his soon-to-be-published book on Namibian football, titled The Untold History of Namibian Football.
“I am indebted to him. He was a real sportsperson who liked interacting with Namibians from all walks of life. His death came as a shock to me,” Kambaekua said.
Another veteran journalist, Conrad Angula, said while he never had the opportunity to watch Geingob play, he did spend some time with him in Burkina Faso in 1998, following his beloved Brave Warriors.“He always wanted to see people improve their lives; he was passionate about Namibia and sport in general, and football in particular.
I learned a lot from him, as we would always have these intense but informative debates on everything under the sun,” Angula said.
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