Let’s support the coach

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

THE appointment of Roger Palmgren as national team coach was met with fierce opposition and conspiracy-laden scepticism by sections of worried Brave Warriors supporters.

Some of his critics have pointed to his not-so-impressive track record as reason enough not to have hired the Swede, while others have labelled him a journeyman looking for a quick buck.
Such views, coupled with the fact that the Namibia Football Association’s secretary general Barry Rukoro lied about Palmgren having applied for the position when he was actually head-hunted, render their anger and mistrust of the coach justifiable.
Whatever the critic’s sentiments, the fact remains that Palmgren is here and is expected to be around  for the next two years - or longer.
During this time, he will need the support of everybody who wants the Brave Warriors to become a successful force.
However support is a luxury commodity in short supply in Namibia – especially in the sport fraternity.
During the Palmgren’s first media conference, Rukoro was already making excuses about the Brave Warriors’ having to make do with the limited friendly matches they get.
The bottom line is, if the team is to improve, it needs to play more. No ifs or buts.
The excessively used excuse ‘lack of funds’ to cover the cost of regularly playing international matches will no longer cut it.
Make a plan - and if you can’t then step aside for someone who can.
Palmgren’s ‘all-knowing’ technical team should also allow him to select the players he deems relevant and able to adapt to his methods.
Theirs should be to recommend, not to dictate that their favourites are picked ahead of more deserving players, who in turn must show that they are worthy to represent the nation.
Any player who feels they are bigger than the collective can excuse themselves. Leave your prima donna repertoire with your club’s paymaster, they have better use for it.
While positive results are urgently needed, the fans want to see pride and passion above all else.
And much of the same is also expected from the long suffering fans.
They too should approach the next chapter of the Brave Warriors’ renaissance with fervour and optimism.
Whether Palmgren fails or succeeds, we can at least say that we gave him a fair shot.

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