Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has announced a series of exciting developments for the new year, including groundbreaking sponsorships for the second and third divisions by Namibia Ports Authority and Sisa Namandje Inc.
This marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in Namibian football history that all 14 regions will have active third divisions and regional women’s leagues.
NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata stated on Thursday that the sponsorship aligns with the NFA Executive Council’s strategic objective of allowing every aspiring young footballer to play at a level that matches their abilities.
“Exciting developments are already underway in the new year. The Debmarine Namibia Premiership and the FNB Women’s Super League, which commenced towards the end of 2024, will continue their thrilling seasons. Furthermore, a brand-new competition, the MTC Maris Cup, is set to kick off in the last week of January 2025, adding another layer of excitement for premiership clubs and fans,” said Hamata.
He acknowledged the strides made by the association in 2024 but stressed that significant work remains to transform Namibian football and elevate the game’s quality across the country.
According to Hamata, the NFA remains committed to implementing strategic programmes and projects aimed at expanding the football brand and reaching every corner of the nation.
“Looking ahead, the NFA is thrilled to announce that it anticipates launching its most ambitious football development project to date. This landmark initiative will encompass all 121 constituencies in Namibia, creating a wider base of players and providing greater opportunities for excellence.
The project will also include capacity-building programmes for referees, coaches, and volunteers.
“The NFA plans to announce the launch and rollout dates for this exciting project towards the end of the first quarter of 2025,” said Hamata.
In terms of capacity development, Hamata noted that the NFA will launch its first-ever Confederation of African Football (CAF) C Diploma registration process in the coming weeks.
The programme will target coaches from the Namibia Premier Football League and the Women’s Soccer League.
The course is anticipated to start on March 24th, 2025, and it will also cater to all the 1st Division and youth coaches.
“The NFA expresses its sincere appreciation for the unwavering support received in 2024, which played a crucial role in the implementation of various programmes and projects. The NFA also acknowledges the vital role the public and media played in holding the association accountable, contributing to greater transparency and progress,” expressed Hamata.
