NFA warns about ‘illegal’ football

THE Namibia Football Association (NFA) yesterday warned that people who compete in unauthorised football would not be considered for national selection, unless the mother body granted permission.

The NFA together with the Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU) formed a national Joint Committee on youth football earlier this year, mandated with streamlining youth football in Namibia.According to the Joint Committee, all football leagues and clubs across the country should be registered first with the association.’We are trying to eradicate cheating and lack of chances of talented players due to unfair organisation in their areas. It will help us to have records of these people and ensure that we streamline them into the national settings accordingly’ said Isak Hamata, member of the Joint Committee.The committee has also decided that it will ban and not recognise any unsanctioned football tournaments. ‘People need to seek permission from the NFA to hold youth tournaments and the likes, so that we can also assist with technical support and other logistics necessary’ explains Jakes Amaning.The idea is not to prevent people from playing football but to prevent the name of football to be brought into disrepute and harmonise meagre national resources that can ensure an efficient youth system in the country.The joint venture was brought about the understanding that the NSSU and the NFA Youth Committee deals with the same groups of people.The Joint Committee is chaired by former Life Fighters and national team coach Herman Ngaa Katjiuongua and the registration process with NFA is expected to conclude during July this year. – NFA Secretariat