Maria David
THE Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed the tragic passing of two match officials, Helmut Andreas (55) and Hans Petrus (26), following a motor vehicle accident on Friday afternoon.
According to a statement issued by NFA Director of Marketing and Communications, Isack Hamata, the two were en route to Windhoek to officiate premiership matches scheduled for this weekend.
Hamata indicated that Andreas, affectionately known as “Germany”, was a highly respected figure in Namibian football.
“A former FIFA-accredited referee, local instructor, and assessor, he also served as the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Refereeing Committee and was a valued member of the Namibia National Referees Committee,” he said.
He added that Andreas’ vast experience and commitment to the development of refereeing in Namibia will be sorely missed.
Hamata said the loss of experienced referees like Andreas significantly impacts growth and mentorship within their refereeing structures.
Meanwhile, he noted that Petrus was a promising young assistant referee with a bright future ahead of him.
“Having recently completed his studies in engineering, he was in his third year as an Elite A referee, officiating at the highest level of domestic football,” he added.
He noted that Petrus was known as a respectful team player with immense potential.
Hamata said the passing of such talented and dedicated young referees like Petrus is a setback for the future development of refereeing in Namibia.
“These were the finished products, individuals poised to make significant contributions to the refereeing department and the NFA in general,” he said.
Further, Hamata said that as a mark of respect and in solemn remembrance of Andreas and Petrus, the NFA requests that a moment of silence be observed before all football matches scheduled to be played.
He stressed that this will be an opportunity for the football family to collectively honour their memory and pay their respects.
He then called on the Namibian football community to come together in prayer and solidarity during this period of mourning, and to pray for the swift recovery of Pius Donatus and all those injured, while remembering the invaluable contributions of Andreas and Petrus.
