Haikali survives axing, for now
Caf’s decision to have the NFA extraordinary congress put on hold has been welcomed by many in the NFA, with expectations that it could promote peace.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
WINDHOEK
NFA president Ranga Haikali and his executive members have been let off the hook after Caf instructed the association to put the extraordinary congress aimed at outvoting them on hold.
“We have decided to put the congress on hold following Caf’s letter informing us that a Fifa delegation will come to Namibia in December and that a roadmap will be provided to us on how football can continue.
“Yes, I can confirm that we did have an extraordinary congress planned for 20 November but it is off now,” NFA secretary-general Franco Cosmos said yesterday.
The decision to postpone the congress comes after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) had promised to provide the Namibia Football Association with a roadmap by December.
This is after the working visit of the continental federation's secretary-general Veron Mosengo-Omba last week to assess the situation.
“FIFA strongly recommend a roadmap of measures to restore and resuscitate football in the country.
“In this respect, before a roadmap for resolving the current situation is released, the planned forthcoming NFA extraordinary congress should therefore be put on a hold as Caf and FIFA in the shape of a roadmap would be released next month,” a letter form Mosengo-Omba reads.
Failed plans
The plans to have Haikali and his members discharged were ongoing before Caf’s visit to Namibia about a week ago.
The congress slated for 20 November was expected to vote out Haikali and his Exco.
This was after several regions and members of the so-called Progressive Forces had expressed a lack of confidence in the leadership of the association.
“Haikali is hiding behind Fifa and Caf but there is a big surprise waiting for him,” a member of the other faction fumed after Caf’s letter.
Risky to continue
The NFA could however not risk disobeying Caf and Fifa directives to continue with the extraordinary congress given that it would come with other implications.
“A faction in the NFA will not be happy with the decision because they desperately wanted to get rid of the president and its Exco.
“I however believe that this will promote peace and maybe bring lasting solutions towards the football house.
“They were prepared to throw their guy Isack Fredericks under the bus as well, but they will not be able to disobey Caf because that could lead the country into suspension or even a ban,” said a former NFA president who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ordinary congress hangs in the balance
It is also uncertain whether the NFA ordinary congress will be held as scheduled on 4 December.
“I will write to CAF to ask for advice on whether we should still continue with the ordinary congress.
“This congress is mandatory but we do not know what to expect at the moment and that is why I will wait for CAF’s response before we can proceed with any plans,” Cosmos said.
WINDHOEK
NFA president Ranga Haikali and his executive members have been let off the hook after Caf instructed the association to put the extraordinary congress aimed at outvoting them on hold.
“We have decided to put the congress on hold following Caf’s letter informing us that a Fifa delegation will come to Namibia in December and that a roadmap will be provided to us on how football can continue.
“Yes, I can confirm that we did have an extraordinary congress planned for 20 November but it is off now,” NFA secretary-general Franco Cosmos said yesterday.
The decision to postpone the congress comes after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) had promised to provide the Namibia Football Association with a roadmap by December.
This is after the working visit of the continental federation's secretary-general Veron Mosengo-Omba last week to assess the situation.
“FIFA strongly recommend a roadmap of measures to restore and resuscitate football in the country.
“In this respect, before a roadmap for resolving the current situation is released, the planned forthcoming NFA extraordinary congress should therefore be put on a hold as Caf and FIFA in the shape of a roadmap would be released next month,” a letter form Mosengo-Omba reads.
Failed plans
The plans to have Haikali and his members discharged were ongoing before Caf’s visit to Namibia about a week ago.
The congress slated for 20 November was expected to vote out Haikali and his Exco.
This was after several regions and members of the so-called Progressive Forces had expressed a lack of confidence in the leadership of the association.
“Haikali is hiding behind Fifa and Caf but there is a big surprise waiting for him,” a member of the other faction fumed after Caf’s letter.
Risky to continue
The NFA could however not risk disobeying Caf and Fifa directives to continue with the extraordinary congress given that it would come with other implications.
“A faction in the NFA will not be happy with the decision because they desperately wanted to get rid of the president and its Exco.
“I however believe that this will promote peace and maybe bring lasting solutions towards the football house.
“They were prepared to throw their guy Isack Fredericks under the bus as well, but they will not be able to disobey Caf because that could lead the country into suspension or even a ban,” said a former NFA president who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ordinary congress hangs in the balance
It is also uncertain whether the NFA ordinary congress will be held as scheduled on 4 December.
“I will write to CAF to ask for advice on whether we should still continue with the ordinary congress.
“This congress is mandatory but we do not know what to expect at the moment and that is why I will wait for CAF’s response before we can proceed with any plans,” Cosmos said.
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