The Namibia Football Association (NFA), Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), and the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Fitness and Boxing Academy have all lost their patrons, Dr. Hage Geingob and founding President Sam Nujoma.
Geingob, who passed away last February, was the patron of both the NFA and NRU, while founding President Nujoma, who passed away last month, was the patron of MTC Sunshine Tobias Fitness and Boxing Academy.
Their deaths leave the three institutions without patrons, requiring them to seek new patrons.
As patrons, they held ceremonial positions, mainly serving to unlock opportunities by allowing their names to be used for fundraising and reputation building.
This week, Confidente spoke with leaders of the NFA, NRU, and MTC Sunshine to inquire about the vacant patron positions.
NFA President Robert Shimooshili stated that it is too early for the association to consider a new patron, despite Geingob’s passing last year.
The NFA recently experienced another loss with the death of Secretary-General Charles Siyauya.
“It is too early for the NFA to pronounce itself on the patron matter, because Namibia is a country that has been experiencing dark clouds non-stop. Let us give respect to our leaders and ordinary citizens who have left us. Once the right time has come the NFA will inform the nation through the media,” said Shimooshili.
NRU President Petri Theron declined to discuss the matter at this time. The NRU is also home to the Hage Geingob Stadium, named in Geingob’s honour.
“I am currently busy with a hearing this week that is taking up all of my time. The questions require a comprehensive response, for which I do not have time this week if I want to do justice to it. I will only be able to give a thorough response next week. Sorry, but I have to priorities work at this moment,” said Theron.
Nestor Tobias, owner and founder of MTC Sunshine, renowned for producing world champions, said that the stable will meet next week to discuss a new patron.
“We are still recovering from the passing on of our beloved leader (Nujoma) and need more time to reorganize ourselves. We will update you after our meeting on Thursday next week 20 March,” said Tobias.