Doëseb quits Arrows

JOHNNY Doëseb quit Eleven Arrows Football Club as owner and chairman due to constant interferences from some community members in managing the team.

Doëseb told The Namibian Sport in an interview yesterday that he had had enough of the persistent interference by unnamed members, who have ganged-up against him to take over the administration of the team.Doëseb took over Arrows a season and a half ago as the sole owner and has during that period, single-handedly invested over N$2 million in the team.Arrows ended in fifth in the Namibia Premier League the past season and were runners-up in the Cell One NFA Cup after Orlando Pirates.Doëseb, a businessman in the construction management, said he will officially hand back the team to ”its rightful owners’ next Sunday, because they do not appreciate his efforts nor understand his vision for the team. ‘Firstly, I am disappointed by some elements who want to oust me due to reasons which in my opinion, do not hold any grounds. I am also upset by the fact that some of these members are using some of my players to get rid of me. Now, my position is this. I am going to hand over the team to the former executive members next Sunday. They can have it back and do whatever they want with it,’ he said.Yesterday, The Namibian Sport tried in vain to locate anyone in Walvis Bay who would confess to the take-over, while Doëseb maintained that he does not want to mention names, but admitted that the forces behind the move consisted of well-known former and current members of the team.¨I am not going to point any fingers or name anyone. It is not the first time that I am being accused of the wrong doings. I will just hand over the team to the former executive members. They can take it from there,¨ he said.ZERO BALANCEWhen Doëseb took over the team in 2007, it had debts amounting to over N$200 000 and had a zero bank balance.Today, the side is debt-free after Doëseb decided to pay all the debtors when he took ownership. Arrows now has over N$100 000 in its bank account, while Doëseb also invested in a players’ village where they are accommodated, while he has also acquired a mini bus worth N$210 000. The players’ village was constructed to a tune of N$585 000, while last season alone, Doëseb spent about N$900 000 to cover monthly salaries for players and the coaching staff, winning bonuses, travelling, accommodation and meals. Doëseb also paid for transport, meals and accommodation of supporters whenever the team played outside Walvis Bay.This year, the supporters were ferried to most of the matches of the Cell One NFA Cup that took place away from Arrows’ home venue.Despite the massive investments and clearing the debt, Doëseb said he will not claim back a cent from the club. But he said he will give a thought to what will happen to the village of the players and other assets he acquired for the team out of his pocket.’There is a wrong perception among some people that Arrows makes a lot of money. In fact, it is the other way around; there is no income that is generated in any way. I am the one paying for the team. There is nothing in it for me. Football in Namibia is non-profitable. This team is still growing and we have to look at the long-term,’ he said.’My aim when I took this team was based on giving back to the community and make the team viable business-wise…and at the same time acquire the best of players and make it competitive in the league. I have long term goals for this team, but if the people feel that they can do better than me, they can take over,’ he said.THE ACCUSATIONSDoëseb says he is accused of not accounting for gate-takings which the supporters think is a big source of income to the team.He responded that the team has a small support base and they do not make enough money from the gate-takings, even during their home-matches. Gate-takings he says are not even close to a drop in the ocean and considers it an irrelevant accusation, compared to the investments he makes each month.He says some of the supporters also questioned why Gilbert Rwasoka was dropped as coach, but Doëseb justified that he had a contract due at the end of this month.’He was mandated to finish in the top three which did not happen. I did not fire him, but his contract will run out in a week and we paid him out in advance, even with bonuses, money that he was not entitled to,’ he said.He said he was disappointed by the fact that some people do not see the importance of long-term investments, but are just looking at the immediate future and argue about aspects that are not constructive to the team.’I have made my contribution to this team and it is unfortunate that people cannot contribute positively. I am now left with no option but to quit. For the record, since I took over the team, I have not failed in my responsibilities and according to my judgement, I have brought in a lot of positive changes and excitement, of which I am proud of,’ said the youthful Doëseb. corry@namibian.com.na