… Dr Haufiku calls it quits
WINDHOEK – It never rain but pours for the trouble-ravaged Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBW) following the shock resignation of one of its longest serving board members, Dr Bernard Haufiku.
The much adored medical practitioner, a regular figure in local boxing circles has tendered his resignation citing the shoddy workings within the organization.
The board consists of five members led by Kelly Nghixulifwa as chairperson, deputised by Allison Hijarunguru with law practitioner Slow Murorua, Ambrose Kandjii and Haufiku completing the list.
Approached for comment, Namibian Boxing Federation long-serving secretary Joe Kaperu, who doubles for both umbrella bodies, pleaded ignorance on the news, saying he only learned about Haufiku’s departure through word of mouth by the federation’s president, Kelly Nghixulifwa.
“I cannot confirm or deny it since we are yet to receive an official resignation letter from him. I even tried to get confirmation from Dr Haufiku but all my efforts were in vain as his mobile phone went unanswered while he did not return calls as requested,” said Kaperu.
However, Haufiku confirmed his resignation to New Era Sport yesterday, but was quick to put Kaperu on the spot, revealing that he submitted his resignation letter to the appointing authority, in this case the sports minister.
“It should be clarified that my resignation has nothing to do with the imminent changes to the board. The decision was purely based on professional principals. The maneuverings within the boxing board were infringing dangerously on my profession – thus leaving me with no other option then to pack my bags,” confirms Haufiku.
He added that as a result of his undying love and desire for Namibian boxing, he would not be entirely lost to boxing and would always be available to assist local promoters on a consultancy basis whenever the need arises.
Sources with inside knowledge of the issue say Haufiku got fed up with the amateurish fashion in which some board members execute their functions, adding that the board has become a law unto themselves by ignoring vital directives from its medical team to withdraw medically unfit boxers, a practice that could have dire consequences should the boxers continue to fight.
Insiders revealed that the board is always turning a blind eye to recommendations by its medical staff to disqualify boxers from competing in international tournaments after failing medical examinations, while other boxers refused point blankly to undergo compulsory medical tests.
The term of the current members came to an end last year but was extended by the line minister until next month.
By Carlos Kambaekwa