The Namibia Football Association is conducting a three-day CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop at the Football House in Katutura from 20-23 September 2024. The Safe Stadium Initiative aims to create a safe environment for everyone coming to football venues and promote a safety and security culture within Member Associations (MAโs) across Africa.
Speaking at the opening of a CAF Safety and Security Workshop for Namibia Premier Football League and Women Super League clubs,โฏShimooshili emphasized the urgent need to protect match officials and ensure a safe environment for all stakeholders involved in the sport.
โWe cannot tolerate insults,โฏthreats,โฏand harassment against our referees any longer,โ Shimooshili declared.โฏ
โWe must protect our referees,โฏplayers,โฏsponsors,โฏguests,โฏspectators,โฏand ourselves.โฏZero tolerance for security threats at our stadiums is our goal.โ
The workshop,โฏthe first of its kind in Namibia,โฏis being facilitated by CAF Safety and Security Instructor from Uganda, Humphrey Mandu,โฏand CAF Safety Security Officer,โฏXolile Vilakati from eSwatini.โฏThe workshop aims to equip clubs with the necessary tools to manage stadium safety and security.โฏNamibia is the fifth African country to implement this CAF initiative after eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Rwanda.
While the initial focus is on the top-tier leagues,โฏShimooshili assured that the NFA is committed to extending the safety and security program to all levels of football,โฏincluding regional leagues,โฏyouth competitions,โฏand even the NFA headquarters.
โWe want to ensure that everyone involved in football,โฏfrom players and referees to supporters and staff,โฏfeels safe and protected,โ he said.โฏโThis includes creating a secure environment for our match officials,โฏball kids,โฏand even the small businesses operating around our stadiums.โ
The NFA plans to roll out similar workshops to all regions,โฏsubject to budget and operational planning.โฏThe association has also mandated that each club have a trained safety and security officer.
Shimooshili urged workshop participants to fully engage in the sessions and implement the acquired knowledge to enhance safety standards in Namibian football.
