WINDHOEK: Robert Shimooshili, the president of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), has clarified that Vice President Murs Markus is not involved in decision-making regarding the Black Africa Sport Club in his capacity as an NFA council member. Shimooshili indicated that Markus’s decisions concerning the club stem from his role as the chairperson of the Southern Stream First Division.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the situation with Katutura-based Black Africa Sport Club, which has been unable to fulfil its fixtures since the start of the 2023/24 Southern Stream First Division in November due to internal disputes and fan protests, falls outside the jurisdiction of the NFA. The club has been mired in controversy with two administrations claiming representation and fans staging sit-ins to address their concerns. Shimooshili emphasized that the Southern Stream First Division, as a member of the NFA, has the autonomy to resolve its members’ issues without NFA Executive Council interference.
Shimooshili also commented on the need for Black Africa’s leadership to resolve their internal conflicts, considering the club’s significant history. He stressed that Markus should step down from his Southern Stream position to concentrate on his duties as NFA Vice President to avoid any perceived conflict of interest. Shimooshili, who recently relinquished his roles as the chairperson of the Namibia Premier Football League and Blue Waters, expressed hope that Markus would follow suit.
The NFA President underscored the urgency of addressing the Black Africa issue, stating that it casts a negative light on Namibian football and disrupts the desired peace and harmony within the sport. He referenced similar divisions in other clubs like Blue Waters, Citizens, and Eleven Arrows, which were amicably resolved. Shimooshili revealed that the NFA plans to issue a statement to distance itself from decisions made in the Southern Stream First Division, adhering to its statutes and ensuring no adverse effects on the association.