Justicia Shipena
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has suspended Bucks Buccaneers FC head coach Fillemon Ronnie Kanalelo and VEN Blue Waters FC head coach Paulus Shipanga with immediate effect.
This follows a confrontation between the two coaches on Sunday, 18 May 2025, at Nau-Aib Stadium in Okahandja after a Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) match.
According to reports, the incident involved a knife and a gun and took place in the stadium’s parking area after the final whistle.
In a statement on Wednesday, Cassius Moetie, Interim Secretary General of the NFA, said, “The NFA has taken swift action to suspend both coaches with immediate effect due to their involvement in a confrontation after the NPFL fixture between Bucks Buccaneers and VEN Blue Waters.”
“This incident, which included the display of a knife and a firearm by both parties, is a gross violation of the association’s code of conduct and the rules of FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, and NFA,” said Moetie.
The incident was not recorded in the official referee’s match report but was publicly acknowledged by both coaches in a local radio interview and newspaper article.
Moetie said the incident falls under Rule 60.2.1.4.15 of the NFA’s Rules and Regulations.
He said the rule prohibits acts or statements that are ungentlemanly, insulting, or likely to bring the game and its stakeholders into disrepute.
The suspension, effective 21 May 2025, bars both coaches from attending NFA-sanctioned matches or training sessions in any official capacity.
They are also prohibited from performing technical duties for their clubs while the disciplinary inquiry is ongoing.
The NFA has asked both coaches to submit written statements explaining the incident by Friday, 23 May 2025, at 17h00.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, responsibility, and conduct among all football stakeholders,” said Moetie.
