NFA clings to TjongareroMbidi backs recalled technical director The country's top football body is fighting tooth and nail to keep its technical director, who was recalled by the sports ministry last month. The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has vowed to keep technical director Timo Tjongarero, after the sports ministry recently recalled him with immediate effect.
Tjongarero was instructed to take up his duties as sports officer in the ministry - a position he has been receiving a salary for during the past ten years, while also serving in several positions at the national football head office.
It was reported there is no evidence showing the NFA technical director was seconded by government and that he should be receiving a double salary.
NFA president Frans Mbidi has, however, assured Namibian Sun they will do what it takes to keep Tjongarero in his position.
“We are renegotiating with the ministry in order to keep the NFA technical director in his position. As the NFA, we had a massive investment in him and that is why we feel that this investment will all be lost if we happen to lose Tjongarero.
“Building football is not an overnight process and that is why we need people that know the structures to remain in such positions,” Mbidi said.
The NFA president further emphasised the importance of having a stable technical director, saying it hugely benefits the development of the game.
He also felt Tjongarero has been doing a great job in his position and it is therefore not necessary to get rid of him at this stage.
Tjongarero was officially appointed as the association's technical director during 2016, replacing former incumbent Claus Starke.
Tjongarero has often assisted with the coaching of youth national teams and also offered assistance to the senior national team during various tours.
He is the former coach of Namibia Premier League (NPL) side Tura Magic.
Ministry permanent secretary Emma Kantema-Gaomas could not be reached for comment.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
Tjongarero was instructed to take up his duties as sports officer in the ministry - a position he has been receiving a salary for during the past ten years, while also serving in several positions at the national football head office.
It was reported there is no evidence showing the NFA technical director was seconded by government and that he should be receiving a double salary.
NFA president Frans Mbidi has, however, assured Namibian Sun they will do what it takes to keep Tjongarero in his position.
“We are renegotiating with the ministry in order to keep the NFA technical director in his position. As the NFA, we had a massive investment in him and that is why we feel that this investment will all be lost if we happen to lose Tjongarero.
“Building football is not an overnight process and that is why we need people that know the structures to remain in such positions,” Mbidi said.
The NFA president further emphasised the importance of having a stable technical director, saying it hugely benefits the development of the game.
He also felt Tjongarero has been doing a great job in his position and it is therefore not necessary to get rid of him at this stage.
Tjongarero was officially appointed as the association's technical director during 2016, replacing former incumbent Claus Starke.
Tjongarero has often assisted with the coaching of youth national teams and also offered assistance to the senior national team during various tours.
He is the former coach of Namibia Premier League (NPL) side Tura Magic.
Ministry permanent secretary Emma Kantema-Gaomas could not be reached for comment.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa