Address The Basics

NAMIBIAN football is moving into the right direction to get into a professional mode, but if basic aspects that go with that are not addressed adequately, the move will take longer than anticipated.

I was surprised by the re-opening of the transfer window period for the third time this season.Football transfer periods globally are only allowed twice and with the Namibia Football Association (NFA) granting it each time a team feels they need to beef up their attacks or lend out players to make money, teams can have a go at the mother body any time they wish to.We are made to understand that the Namibia Premier League (NPL) seeks the special approval of the NFA to get the window period opened depending on the number of requests they get from the teams. There ought to be valid reasons from the teams to the NPL and the NFA in return decide if they will grant such a move or not. In my view, it should not be granted.Why? Take for example a team such as Mighty Gunners who currently find themselves at the base of the table. They might have two or three key players that might keep the side afloat and possibly even help the team avoid relegation in the end. Now, imagine if a team such as Eleven Arrows or African Stars opt to snap up those key players when the transfer window is opened at such an irregular time. The players will firstly not refuse the temptation of the big money in the offing for them and the team will be left with virtually no option but to let them go. Good for them to get the money, but what happens to Gunners? They will be weakened and possibly be relegated.For the big teams it is good as they can offload and loan out players at will, but for the smaller teams who don’t have the money to buy, they will face the consequences. I understand that the league started late last season, but the opening of the transfer window should not just be considered because the bigger teams have a more bigger influence on the Boards of Governors and that most importantly it should also not be based on their fat purses. I strongly condemn a third opening of the window period mainly on that basis.Another basic aspect which needs serious attention is that the league authorities would compel all premiership teams to have an office to conduct their business.It is pointless to have teams aiming for professional status without having offices, administrators or even a phone line. Some teams have taken up that initiative and I commend them for that, but the ones who have not yet done so must try to move into that direction as it would ease many communication problems that exists at the moment.Also, the NPL must ensure that teams introduce an effective ticketing system during their matches as the lack thereof is simply unacceptable.Teams also have to realise that with no proper ticketing system, they will lose out on thousands of dollars and it also does not reflect the correct figures of people attending the matches.Teams must strive to improve themselves by providing merchandise to their supporters as image in professionalism is everything.Supporters’ gear and related items play a role in the success of the team and also give spectators a sense of belonging.That also goes for uniformity in terms of the dress code at training sessions and at matches among players and the management. It simply just looks professional and that is what each teams wants.Football is played by a team and not by an individual so there has to be a certain level of uniformity among players when they appear before their fans. The Namibia premiership is really showing promising signs, but if all are not pulling together, we will keep on admiring foreign leagues and the professional way in which they are run, instead of looking at our own doorstep and doing something.