31 October 2008
column
So, the race for the presidency of Athletics Namibia has been set between the continent's most celebrated athlete and the country's most unpopular sports administrator.
Many of us in the business of sport are well aware that knives have been drawn and some affiliates are anxiously waiting to see the back of Alpha aka "Barry White" Kangueehi following his turbulent tenure at the helm of the troubled organization.
However, the baritone voice vocalist would never go out without putting up a fierce fight even if his opponent is none other than Namibia' s blue eyed boy, one Frank Fredericks.
Jokes aside, does it really make any sense for somebody of Frank's standing to run for the presidency of Athletics Namibia while still a respected member of the highest athletics authority in the world.
Surely, yours truly fails to digest the rationale behind the nomination of Fredericks who has in my opinion completely outgrown being thrown into the deep end, if not in an advisory capacity, and I stand to be convinced otherwise.
With all due respect to Frank, but I strongly believe those who saw it fit to nominate Fredericks did not do so because they believe the former world acclaimed sprinter is what the good doctor has just ordered for the ailing fortunes of Athletics Namibia.
Let's call a spade a spade - some of the regions are really gatvol with the fashion in which Bra Alpha has been pulling the strings and dearly want to see the back of him for good.
What his detractors seem to be aware of is the fact that Bra Alpha is a product of the notorious police camp enclave in the Katutura township and knows exactly how to wangle his way out of tight corners.
The presence of Frank might swing the votes, but Bra Alpha might not always possess the administrative acumen when it comes to athletics - but I must doff my kori for his smartness whenever the situation demands.
Bra Alpha has scheduled the election for Katima Mulilo and my somewhat oversized nostrils are wrestling with me that Frank might be put off by traveling all the way to Katima for the election, and could opt to stay home rather than enduring the long road journey to the far remote Caprivi Region.
However, my primary concern is what would be the consequences should a person of Frank's standing fail to garner enough votes for being put in the driving seat of Athletics Namibia.
As much as many of us would like to witness drastic changes in local athletics - the manner in which some people, obviously with their own hidden agendas, are going about the business leaves quite a lot to be desired, so to speak.
Anyway, we are a democratic country and I'm sure justice will finally prevail when the annual general meeting (AGM) gets under way. Let us refrain from comparing bananas to potatoes.
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