From the Sidelines with Corry Ihuhua – Right man required to steer Namibian rugby

THE president of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Dirk Conradie is showing signs of giving up his post as pressure mounts for him to step down.

It would be a wise decision for Conradie not to stand for re-election as there is widespread discontent with his performance in local rugby circles. Since he took over the reigns of the NRU the lawyer has done little, if anything, for rugby in this country, culminating in the 2003 Rugby World Cup disaster.Although Conradie had a team working with him during his reign, he now appears to be single-handedly shouldering the blame for the deterioration of rugby in the country.This is despite the fact that his executive committee has also been asked to pack and leave with Conradie.But the big question now is – Who will take the hot seat when Conradie goes?.At present no one has openly expressed willingness to lead the NRU.Conradie made some radical changes in the game since he took over as president and a lot of clubs supported him just until the World Cup.Failure to secure sponsorships for the leagues last season turned most clubs against him.The hiring and firing of coaches for especially the junior teams was another concern.Conradie was accused of dictating terms in all matters relating to national rugby teams, especially during the team selection process.This was not well received by some of the clubs.The selection of the national team which participated in the Rugby World Cup last year was also not well received by some clubs.This was also exacerbated by the no-show of the coach, Dave Waterston, during the most part of the preparations.Whoever, takes over from Conradie will have a lot of rubble to clean up.Firstly, it is important that the next president of the NRU should have a passion for the game.It is widely believed that it is better to have someone who loves a particular sport leading that particular sport as his task will be more than just a ‘job’.Secondly, he should be knowledgeable on the game and should have a clear vision of what and where he wants rugby in Namibia to be within a certain period.It will also be worth for the new man to have backing from the major clubs and of course his track record should indicate that he has been there for rugby and is not in to take a chance.Those picking the next leader should also watch out against picking someone who is just after promoting their self-interests.Nowadays sport is a business and professionals are needed irrespective of what position that they have been appointed into.Selfishness and wanting to score cheap points will not help the game and will only destroy it much faster.Since he took over the reigns of the NRU the lawyer has done little, if anything, for rugby in this country, culminating in the 2003 Rugby World Cup disaster.Although Conradie had a team working with him during his reign, he now appears to be single-handedly shouldering the blame for the deterioration of rugby in the country.This is despite the fact that his executive committee has also been asked to pack and leave with Conradie.But the big question now is – Who will take the hot seat when Conradie goes?.At present no one has openly expressed willingness to lead the NRU.Conradie made some radical changes in the game since he took over as president and a lot of clubs supported him just until the World Cup.Failure to secure sponsorships for the leagues last season turned most clubs against him.The hiring and firing of coaches for especially the junior teams was another concern.Conradie was accused of dictating terms in all matters relating to national rugby teams, especially during the team selection process.This was not well received by some of the clubs.The selection of the national team which participated in the Rugby World Cup last year was also not well received by some clubs.This was also exacerbated by the no-show of the coach, Dave Waterston, during the most part of the preparations.Whoever, takes over from Conradie will have a lot of rubble to clean up.Firstly, it is important that the next president of the NRU should have a passion for the game.It is widely believed that it is better to have someone who loves a particular sport leading that particular sport as his task will be more than just a ‘job’.Secondly, he should be knowledgeable on the game and should have a clear vision of what and where he wants rugby in Namibia to be within a certain period.It will also be worth for the new man to have backing from the major clubs and of course his track record should indicate that he has been there for rugby and is not in to take a chance.Those picking the next leader should also watch out against picking someone who is just after promoting their self-interests.Nowadays sport is a business and professionals are needed irrespective of what position that they have been appointed into.Selfishness and wanting to score cheap points will not help the game and will only destroy it much faster.