Gaoab addresses ‘inconsistent’ NFA
Opinion
I am perplexed and have identified numerous inconsistencies in the NFA’s application of the rules governing the process concerning the promotion and relegation of teams. Let me elaborate on these inconsistencies. The regulations are typically established and agreed upon prior to the start of each football season to ensure adherence to the rules and to prevent unnecessary confusion at the end of the leagues.
These rules were signed under the watch of the then Normalization Committee (NC) and are still effective. Any changes should be made at a properly constituted highest decision-making body which is currently not the case.
Unfortunately, it seems that the promotion and relegation process has become a significant challenge for the Namibia Football Association Council, primarily due to a lack of understanding and inconsistent application of the rules, which appear to be influenced by specific arrangements that cater to a misguided narrative in football, ultimately undermining the sport itself.
Congratulations on effectively implementing the regulations of the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) concerning the relegation of three clubs as outlined. It is a well-established guideline that the teams facing relegation must transition to the lower First Division Streams within their respective areas. The procedures and criteria for promoting and relegating teams between leagues during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 soccer seasons should remain consistent.
There is particular concern regarding the relegated teams from the Northwest Stream First Division (NWSFD) and those being promoted from the Regional Second Divisions.
To clarify the situation, let us review the events following the 2022/2023 soccer season, specifically regarding the NPFL and the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD). The teams that were relegated from the NPFL included Black Africa, Eleven Arrows and Citizens, which subsequently joined the SSFD. Meanwhile, Northern Stars, Western Spurs, Spoilers and Windhoek United were required to move down to the second division within the same jurisdiction.
The interpretation and application of the rules governing the promotion and relegation of clubs across various NFA leagues were notably inconsistent.