By Michael Uugwanga 

Blue Birds FC and Blue Waters SC have clarified their ties after it was speculated that they are from the same stable and could possibly compete against each other in next season’s top-tier league. According to FIFA rules, clubs with the same owners are not allowed to compete in the same competitions. However, it has emerged that at some point Blue Birds SC and Blue Waters FC were owned by the same shareholders. Last season, a similar situation involving Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) FC and Khomas NamPol, which both fall under Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security was under serious scrutiny. As a result NCS, could not compete in last season’s Debmarine Premiership, a scenario that transformed in a court battle, leading to the provisional suspension of the team from football activities by the Namibian Football Association (NFA). Chairperson of Blue Waters SC, Mathias Haufiku strongly denied any feeding issues surrounding the two clubs. 

“I can confirm that Blue Waters SC and Blue Birds FC have close ties historically, but I can also confirm that Blue Waters SC has no feeding team,” said Haufiku. “I can also duly confirm that we do not have any asset or affiliate called Blue Birds FC on our books at present,” he added. Haufiku noted that while these entities might have been supported and sponsored by similar individuals, both maintained their distinct difference in ownership. “In our view, nothing prevents teams from having the same sponsor anywhere in the world. What we do know, is that teams within the same league cannot fall under the same ownership regime. 

“Most of Blue Birds’ players who excelled have over the years gone on to play for Blue Waters SC. It is equally true that there are also many former Blue Birds FC players who went to play for other teams in the top-tier league. “Since several players have also moved from Blue Waters SC to Blue Birds FC over the years, when considering your line of questioning, this makes Blue Waters SC a feeder team to Blue Birds FC,” he reiterated. Haufiku also played down talks of similarity in the two clubs logos. “As per the statutes of the NPFL, NFA and FIFA, an arrangement whereby teams share logos or playing gear is not allowed. 

The Blue Waters SC logo and gear is reserved only for entities falling within the ambit of the sport club and its affiliates, of which Blue Birds FC is none, and it will remain as such.” He explained Blue Waters SC will continue sourcing players from any team which is willing to negotiate. Blue Birds FC Chairperson, Bernard Haimbodi also cleared the confusion regarding the link between the two clubs, saying that his team is an independent club. 

“NFA’s rules and regulation are very clear. We have our own bank account, own executives and we are also doing our own things. Unlike in the past. We decided to change after the NFA enforced the rules some years ago,” said Haimbodi. “Anybody who wants clarity can contact me so that we go to the bank and get the bank statement. We have been using the NFA’s grants to run the club. Let people talk.”