First division secretary quits over leadership differences

Chrisantus Kamaghoko has formally stepped down as North East First Division (NEFD) secretary, citing a lack of visionary leadership and operational challenges within the regional football structure.

In a resignation letter dated 21 April, Kamaghoko expressed discontent with what he described as a “management only” approach by the current executive, which he said falls short of the forward-thinking leadership required to elevate football in the region.

“Every undertaking should have a vision, and it is that dream that propels one to lead in order to achieve it,” he explained recently, responding to questions sent to him by The Namibian Sport.

“It is unfortunate that the current state is more of just managing existing procedures, with no attempt to do the extraordinary. Change does not come miraculously, it needs to be pressed to happen.”

Kamaghoko said his decision to resign was not sparked by any specific incident, but rather by principle, noting that he saw no room for personal or administrative growth in the current system.

“I felt occupying a position without tangible impact was as good as resigning,” he said.

One of the key operational challenges he highlighted was the absence of a dedicated office space for the stream’s administration.

“It made record-keeping and filing extremely difficult,” he said.

Despite stepping down from the regional body, Kamaghoko remains involved in football at club level.

He is on the executive of NEFD outfit Easten Chiefs, where he says tangible changes are already taking shape.

“We are doing pretty well in transforming ourselves at club level,” he said.

He believes the NEFD stream is performing “fairly well” on the field, but notes that financial constraints continue to hold back progress.

“This is where thinking outside the box is needed to create revenue,” he said.

To his successor, Kamaghoko offered a simple but powerful message: “Work hard, bring changes, and dream big.”

He also assured players, fans, and other stakeholders that there is no cause for concern about his departure.

“It has nothing to do with any potential red light in the stream. It simply means I could not fit in. It’s either the shoe was too big, or my foot was bigger than the shoe.”

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