The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed the tragic loss of two highly respected match officials, Mr. Helmut Andreas (55) and Mr. Hans Petrus (26), following a fatal motor vehicle accident on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred while they were en route to Windhoek to officiate upcoming premier league football matches scheduled for the weekend.
The NFA expressed deep sorrow over their passing, offering heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both officials. In a statement, the NFA stated: “Mr. Andreas and Mr. Petrus were dedicated servants of the game, and their untimely passing has left a void in our football community.”
Mr. Helmut Andreas, who was affectionately known as “Germany,” was a well-regarded figure in Namibian football. A former FIFA-accredited referee, local instructor, and assessor, Mr. Andreas played a pivotal role in the development of the sport. He had been an influential member of the Erongo Regional Refereeing Committee and the Namibia National Referees Committee, where his wealth of experience and commitment to the sport left a lasting impact.
On the other hand, Mr. Hans 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 referee, known for his skill and dedication to the game. His tragic passing represents a significant setback to the future of refereeing in Namibia.
The NFA also extended its well-wishes to referee Andre Helmut, who is currently hospitalized following the accident, and to Pius Donatus, who was not injured. The organization is praying for a full recovery for all those involved.
As a mark of respect for the departed officials, the NFA has called for a moment of silence before all football matches scheduled for this weekend. The football community is urged to come together in solidarity to mourn their loss and pay tribute to their invaluable contributions.
The NFA has promised to provide further updates on the situation as they become available.
