By Michael Uugwanga

Western Suburbs Rugby Football Club supporters have expressed unhappiness with recent revelations that the club’s president Vaughan Peterson, plans on entering a sponsorship agreement with Ongos Valley Development. 

Reportedly, Ongos Valley have shown interest in buying a stake in the rugby club, a move which the supporters believe will only benefit Ongos and Peterson. Confidente is in a possession of a leaked letter dated on 14 June 2025 addressed to the club’s executive committee, passing a motion of no confidence in Peterson and the suspension of Ongos Valley negotiation to purchase the club. 

“We, the undersigned members of Western Suburbs Rugby Football Club, hereby formally substantiate our motion of no confidence in the current president of the club, in accordance with the club constitution and the applicable governance framework,” the letter reads in part. 

“The president failed to provide annual sponsorship reports to the sponsors as required under sponsorship terms, undermining trust and accountability. No financial disclosure has been provided regarding income generated from home games, gate takings and bar proceeds.”

The document further states that: “The president, while simultaneously serving as an executive official of Ongos Valley, engaged the club in a sponsorship agreement that disproportionately favours Ongos Valley and sidelines the club’s autonomy with specific references to administration, coaching staff and benefits without proper consultation with Players.” According to the letter, the club’s proposed seven-aside tournament, jointly planned with Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) and Ongos Valley, generated revenue that was diverted entirely to Ongos Valley, which they say is in direct violation of the agreed terms. 

They further state that no financial report documents were provided at the club’s annual general meeting (AGM) and Patterson, failed to ensure that the club receives equal branding opportunities, where only the NRU and Ongos Valley were promoted. This disregarded the club’s contributions and promotional rights, reads the letter.
Other concern raised is Patterson’s failure to engage with members of the club, whenever there are new plans or decisions made by the executive.

“The failure to register players with the NRU is a dereliction of duty which damages, the club’s reputation and performance. There has been a consistent failure to communicate transparently with club members regarding operations, financial matters and strategic direction. 

“This lack of engagement has eroded trust among stakeholders. Additionally, players have reported instances of disrespectful conduct by the president, further damaging morale and unity within the club.”  When contacted for comment Peterson responded: “There is nothing to report on this matter at this point.”

Ongos Valley has already purchased clubs in other sport codes, such as football, netball and basketball club 
Ongos Valley spokesperson Abed Erastus said the company does not discuss internal matters with outsiders.
“While we appreciate your interest, we do not discuss internal matters or ongoing engagements as a matter of corporate policy,” said Erastus.