Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) says its audited financial reports are clean and reflect sound governance and ethical leadership.
NFA’s director for finance, procurement and human resources, Mino Gariseb, made the statement on Monday in response to reports that the football body’s finances were not in order.
Gariseb said that while public scrutiny is important in strengthening institutions, the NFA wants to correct any misrepresentations and reaffirm its commitment to financial integrity and transparency.
He said sponsors and partners can remain confident in the NFA’s operations, which meet regulatory standards and promote long-term value as a responsible football body.
“The financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024 were subjected to a comprehensive external audit by Saunderson & Co Chartered Accountants. The auditors issued an unqualified opinion, confirming that the financial statements present a fair and accurate reflection of the NFA’s financial position,” said Gariseb.
He said the audit followed International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the International Ethics Standards for Accountants.
An emphasis was raised on the non-remittance of PAYE deductions of N$1,469,820 to the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), a matter Gariseb said dates back to previous leadership.
He explained that the NFA has since engaged NamRA and started a formal process to properly allocate payments already made, and therefore, the issue did not require changes to the audit opinion.
“Furthermore, the NFA is subjected to a central review audit every year by FIFA through the audit firm Ernst & Young. Recommendations are used in strengthening the overall governance processes of the Namibia Football Association,” Gariseb said.
He added that the PAYE matter and the labour dispute involving Franco Cosmos are legacy issues from the time of the normalisation committee, before the current executive council was elected.
“The NFA rejects any insinuation of bias or political manipulation in its mandate to charge its administrative and operational projects with distinction,” he said.
