Cosmos and NFA in contract fight

Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Ranga Haikali maintains that a three-year contract for Franco Cosmos is long enough.
Herma Prinsloo
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK



Speculation is rife that NFA secretary-general Franco Cosmos and president Ranga Haikali have not been seeing eye to eye over recent contract disagreements.

Namibian Sun understands that Cosmos, who was appointed permanently after nine months of acting as SG, was expecting to be given a five-year contract at the beginning of January 2021.

His wishes did not come true, as Haikali opted to give him a three-year contract instead.

Haikali allegedly feels that it is important not to give Cosmos a contract that will exceed the NFA executive's term of office.

Sources claim this has brought division among what was called the “progressive forces” during Haikali's campaign for the NFA hot seat.

The “progressive forces” were delegates who supported Haikali's campaign and now are part of the association's executive.



Haikali defends decision

“I do not think there is anything unfair here because it is important that Cosmos does not serve beyond the term of the executive.

“I remember that Cosmos had already served as chairperson of the Normalisation Committee and also acted in the position before being appointed.

“Our term of office expires in three years and it is just logical that Cosmos is given a contract that runs till that time,” Haikali said.

Haikali was elected as NFA president at the association's 28th congress on 22 February 2020, replacing Frans Mbidi, who was removed by the former NFA executive in 2018. Haikali defeated Johnny Doeseb 20 votes to two to take the presidency.



Cracks between friends

A year after the NFA president and his supporters took over the NFA house, it appears that those who placed Haikali at the top are unhappy with his leadership.

“It is just fair enough that the man is given his five-year contract and not three.

I do not see the logic of trying to take Cosmos with when his term of office ends. “This is not a good way and not many people are happy with the decision,” a source in the NFA said.



Clear but scheming

Cosmos, on the other hand, has opted not to speak to the media about personal matters.

“I do not want to touch on this matter at all; I would rather keep my silence on it,” Cosmos said when contacted.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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