Africa-Press – Namibia. FORMER Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi has urged organisers of the Namibian Newspaper Cup to celebrate past legends of the competition during this year’s edition.
In an interview with Desert Radio, Mbidi said it’s important to delve into the history of the cup and to find the first players that took part in the maiden competition.
“I am not only referring to the players but also the referees, administrators and officials, to recognise them because they were the people who set the fire for this outstanding competition.
“We must always remember to celebrate the past heroes or legends who contributed to the success of the newspaper cup,” Mbidi said.
Former players who represented their regions in the newspaper cup and went on to accomplish bigger things are Marley Ngarizemo, who established his own football club (Young African), and Mogale Naruseb, who went on to play for South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns.
Asked what organisers should prioritise this time around, Mbidi said the local organising committee should consider the security aspect, which urgently needs to be improved with the strong presence of men and women in uniform being visible for the duration of the competition.
He said the aspect of security has been found wanting at past events and said the cup should be used as a platform to develop and feature officials, referees and coaches with the necessary qualifications to improve the standard of the competition.
Mbidi said the issue of accommodation and transport is a vital component that needs attention, especially during the age of Covid-19, which is still prevalent. He said organisers must avoid a situation in which players or officials return home with Covid-19 at all costs.
He said the competition has improved when one looks at the regions that were known as minnows, which are now more focused on winning the trophy and taking it to their respective regions.
“It’s not the time when Khomas and Erongo were dominant. Football has improved in the region, however, not to the level that we want but certainly has generally improved because of competitions such as the Namibian Newspaper Cup.”
“The so-called minnows are also taking centre-stage. There are no more underdogs, which is a very good sign,” Mbidi said.
Asked about the role of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service in such competitions, Mbidi said the ministry’s role is vital, especially as the main sponsor of football.
He said the government spends a lot of money to make sure football is played, and whoever is at the helm of the NFA cannot do away with the government.
“It will be a daunting task for whoever, to always knock on the ministry’s door because we cannot do without the ministry.”
In view of the government’s hope to co-host Afcon 2023, Mbidi called on the various town and regional councils to seriously consider improving the standard of their respective sport facilities.
He said sport has become an economic activity for many governments in the world, and it is important for town and regional councils to invest in sport facilities that will benefit the country whenever an opportunity arises to host regional or continental competitions.
The Namibian Newspaper Cup is due to take place at Oshakati in the Oshana region later this month.
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