EDITORIAL: Luring stakeholders back to the football arena
Corporate Namibia must be lauded for the recent spike of football-related sponsorships, having shied away for years from channelling their resources towards the biggest sports code in the country.
Rightfully so in many ways – the domestic football brand has been marred by controversies ranging from administrative shortcomings, chronic leadership battles, maladministration and poor accountability.
Due to these governance shortcomings, it is understandable that no corporate entity that values its brand wanted to associate itself with anything football-related.
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) must remain cognisant of the fact that it is in the proverbial renewal or rehabilitation phase, one which must be characterised by internal cleansing, brand development and winning back the hearts of key stakeholders such as sponsors and football lovers in general.
The days of infighting amongst football bosses while players beg for a piece of bread must be a thing of the past. Those at the helm of the NFA must always be reminded that their mandate is broader than just administering football matters; there is a socioeconomic aspect that must be executed in order to tackle social challenges such as unemployment and inequality.
Football, and sports in general, has the potential to create thousands of jobs for young Namibians, but that can only happen if those in charge are committed to the principles of transparency and accountability.
Rightfully so in many ways – the domestic football brand has been marred by controversies ranging from administrative shortcomings, chronic leadership battles, maladministration and poor accountability.
Due to these governance shortcomings, it is understandable that no corporate entity that values its brand wanted to associate itself with anything football-related.
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) must remain cognisant of the fact that it is in the proverbial renewal or rehabilitation phase, one which must be characterised by internal cleansing, brand development and winning back the hearts of key stakeholders such as sponsors and football lovers in general.
The days of infighting amongst football bosses while players beg for a piece of bread must be a thing of the past. Those at the helm of the NFA must always be reminded that their mandate is broader than just administering football matters; there is a socioeconomic aspect that must be executed in order to tackle social challenges such as unemployment and inequality.
Football, and sports in general, has the potential to create thousands of jobs for young Namibians, but that can only happen if those in charge are committed to the principles of transparency and accountability.
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Namibian Sun
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