Haikali set for top NPL job

THE Namibia Premier League (NPL) is set to appoint Mathew Haikali as its new chief executive officer early next week, The Namibian Sport established yesterday.

This appointment will come after the league short-listed seven candidates for the position of CEO about two weeks ago.The interviews were concluded about a week ago and the announcement of the appointment of the new man is expected later this month, according to NPL media officer Meke Namindo.But The Namibian Sport understands that an offer has already been made to Haikali, who emerged as the successful candidate for the top position.Yesterday, a source close to the selection committee revealed that Haikali had expected the deal and was willing to step into the new office situated in Adler Street, Windhoek West.Other candidates who were interviewed included Lennox Chibahwile, Willie Swartz, Eliphas Shipanga, Gerald Gunther, Emmanuel Namaseb and Kavezemburuka Veii-Mujoro.Haikali is a former director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa Namibia Chapter and current Fifa Futuro instructor. He has been involved in football on both the administrative and managerial level, especially in the lower divisions, and has vast football knowledge.He is known for his efficient administrative skills, while his warm personality has made him a likeable character.He currently also serves as a member of the National Media Football Team’s Think Tank. According to Namindo, the new CEO will be responsible for the strategic development and management of the NPL, the preparation and implementation of the NPL’s strategic plans for 2010 to 2012 for the growth and expansion of the NPL and its affiliated clubs. He will also have the task to source sufficient sponsorship for the league as it aims at moving into a professional set-up. corry@namibian.com.na