Limba MupetamiWindhoek

The Debmarine Namibia Premiership kicked off in November, much to the appreciation of football fans; but certain members of the league are not satisfied with the way affairs are handled and have demanded changes with immediate effect.

A member of the league who preferred to remain anonymous shared agenda points with league leaders, starting off with the “disappointing” monthly grant they receive, which is not enough to support playing costs, they said.

The member also expressed disappointment with the lack of transparency with regards to a sponsorship agreement, which has reportedly not been shared with the clubs, and also said the agreement was signed without the clubs’ consent.

In the agenda brief, the member further expressed that fixtures are not well coordinated and favour some clubs, which allegedly get three weeks in between matches while others are expected to play on insufficient rest.

They added that the issues of promotion and relegation should be reconsidered.

‘Spoilt’ clubs

“Back in the day, clubs were independent and could lobby for their own sponsorship. But that has changed as the likes of corporate giants FNB Namibia, MTC and now Debmarine took over sponsorship. Since the league is now under the Namibia Football Association, they are tasked to look for funding, thus spoiling clubs,” the member claimed.

The outspoken member further elaborated on the issue of grants, stating that they are used to cover administration fees as well as pay coaching staff, medic fees, rental fees for offices, player accommodation and travel, which includes fuel, hiring buses and food. “For these reasons, the grants are not enough.”

Grant allocation

League director Mabos Vries acknowledged that he received the agenda points from the league member and that they would be discussed over the weekend. He added that the process in which resolutions will be shared will also be discussed. Vries further explained that not all clubs receive the same grant as there are factors which are considered, such as the distance clubs travel to compete.

He used Julinho Sporting, based in Rundu, as an example. “They travel more than others, whereas those based in Windhoek don’t travel much. These are things we take into consideration when allocating the grant,” he said. The league administrator refused to divulge any more information on grant allocation, stating that this is confidential.

However, Namibian Sun has seen a proposed grant distribution list for all 16 clubs. According to this list, African Stars, Black Africa, Blue Waters, Citizens, Civics, Eleven Arrows, Julinho Sporting Football Club, Life Fighters, Mighty Gunners, Okahandja United, Orlando Pirates, Tigers, Tura Magic, Unam, Young African and Young Brazilian allegedly receive a base amount of N$406 250. Each team received 50% of the base amount at the beginning of the season and will receive 25% in February and April respectively.

In addition to this base amount, teams also receive logistics assistance, which varies from club to club. The club which receives most for logistics is Rundu-based Julinho with N$180 000. Debmarine sponsored the league to the tune of N$13 million for the 2022/2023 season. The second season is expected to kick off on 21 January.

limba@namibiansun.com