WINDHOEK – In a new twist of things, the triangle feud between the Namibia Premier League, African Stars and the country’s football governing body, NFA has finally been put to rest after the parties buried the hatchet. This was announced at a hastily arranged gathering at Football House yesterday.
All the parties finally admitted that there indeed were flaws in their handling of the dispute, that led to Stars suspension which led to subsequent court cases.
At the centre of the storm was the NPL decision to expel Stars from all football related activities but the aggrieved party would have none of that and sought refuge in the NFA statutes appealing their expulsion, citing constitutional irregularities during their trial which they labeled a kangaroo court.
The NFA Appeals Committee overturned the verdict and reinstated Stars back in the fold.
However, there was the outstanding court case filed by Stars after their abandoned match against Orlando Pirates was ordered to be replayed over the remaining eight minutes.
After all the trauma of the last couple of months that brought the game of football into disrepute – the parties have resolved to smoke the peace pipe bringing to an end a matter that could have potentially derail the progress of Namibian football.
Each party agreed to cover their own legal costs.
NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro, admitted that mistakes were made and expressed the hope that lessons have been learnt from this case and will try to correct the mistakes going forward.