JJD ridicules NPL dissolution plan
Nearly five months after resigning from his position as Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman, Johnny 'JJD' Doeseb has criticised some of the ideas clubs have.
Former Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman Johnny Doeseb is appealing to the clubs not to continue with the dissolution plan they have.
Namibian Sun yesterday caught up with the man who decided to step down from the chair in February.
At the time of his resignation, Doeseb cited his decision to leave the league as due to the insults and abuse he got from certain individuals in the football fraternity.
This was after the Namibia Premier League under the stewardship of Doeseb failed to start after failing to secure a sponsorship.
Since his departure, the league has been tainted with scandal and confusion, after the interim committee was replaced by an NFA ad hoc committee.
The commotion in the NPL was followed by a call to dissolve the league from some of the biggest clubs in the country.
African Stars, Olrando Pirates and Tigers have been plotting to table a motion to dissolve the league at a general assembly of a date still to be announced.
However, Doeseb fears that this will have further implications on the already troubled NPL.
In fact, the former chairman is urging all 16 clubs to united and work on the constitution of the league.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun for the first time since resigning, Doeseb said: “I thought that things would get better after I resigned.
“People said I was the obstacle and so I was forced to believe that things will finally kick-off once I am gone.
“I was wrong because football matters have now worsened since I left office.
“Personally, as a football lover, I do strongly believe that dissolving the Namibia Premier League is not the best of options.”
Doeseb is encouraging all the football club owners to act maturely by accepting that they have all failed football.
“People are at each other's throats just because of power, but it is actually at the expense of Namibian football,” he said.
He admitted that what has happened over the years has brought football to the knees.
“This has actually been a bad thing which can have a positive outcome if all people can unite.
“Firstly, clubs must advocate for the league to start in August, and also collectively fix the NPL constitution. “After this, the clubs must hold an elective meeting whereby new leaders must emerge.
“After having all the structures in place with legitimate leaders, now they can go look for sponsors.”
Doeseb felt that the State House and NFA will not be able to solve the league's problems like the clubs themselves can do.
He called on the football players union to avoid being mixed up in the quarrels between leaders of the NPL and NFA.
“All stakeholders must now rebuild a positive image of football by not getting involved in petty issues with football leaders.
“The thing about everyone trying to play boss will definitely be the end of our football.”
As for his personal life, Doeseb remarked that he was relaxed and able to spend time with his family and focus on his business.
“The economic situation in the country has not been good for business, but we are steadily recovering.”
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
Namibian Sun yesterday caught up with the man who decided to step down from the chair in February.
At the time of his resignation, Doeseb cited his decision to leave the league as due to the insults and abuse he got from certain individuals in the football fraternity.
This was after the Namibia Premier League under the stewardship of Doeseb failed to start after failing to secure a sponsorship.
Since his departure, the league has been tainted with scandal and confusion, after the interim committee was replaced by an NFA ad hoc committee.
The commotion in the NPL was followed by a call to dissolve the league from some of the biggest clubs in the country.
African Stars, Olrando Pirates and Tigers have been plotting to table a motion to dissolve the league at a general assembly of a date still to be announced.
However, Doeseb fears that this will have further implications on the already troubled NPL.
In fact, the former chairman is urging all 16 clubs to united and work on the constitution of the league.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun for the first time since resigning, Doeseb said: “I thought that things would get better after I resigned.
“People said I was the obstacle and so I was forced to believe that things will finally kick-off once I am gone.
“I was wrong because football matters have now worsened since I left office.
“Personally, as a football lover, I do strongly believe that dissolving the Namibia Premier League is not the best of options.”
Doeseb is encouraging all the football club owners to act maturely by accepting that they have all failed football.
“People are at each other's throats just because of power, but it is actually at the expense of Namibian football,” he said.
He admitted that what has happened over the years has brought football to the knees.
“This has actually been a bad thing which can have a positive outcome if all people can unite.
“Firstly, clubs must advocate for the league to start in August, and also collectively fix the NPL constitution. “After this, the clubs must hold an elective meeting whereby new leaders must emerge.
“After having all the structures in place with legitimate leaders, now they can go look for sponsors.”
Doeseb felt that the State House and NFA will not be able to solve the league's problems like the clubs themselves can do.
He called on the football players union to avoid being mixed up in the quarrels between leaders of the NPL and NFA.
“All stakeholders must now rebuild a positive image of football by not getting involved in petty issues with football leaders.
“The thing about everyone trying to play boss will definitely be the end of our football.”
As for his personal life, Doeseb remarked that he was relaxed and able to spend time with his family and focus on his business.
“The economic situation in the country has not been good for business, but we are steadily recovering.”
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
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