As Namibia steps into 2025, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) extends its warmest greetings to the public, media, and all football stakeholders. 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.
While significant strides have been made, the NFA recognizes that substantial work remains to fully transform Namibian football and elevate the quality of the game nationwide. The association remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing its strategic programmes and projects, with the ultimate goal of expanding the football brand and reaching every corner of the country.
Exciting developments are already underway in the new year. The DebmarineNamibia 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.
The NFA is also delighted to announce the acquisition of sponsorships for the second and third divisions, courtesy of Namibia Ports Authority (NAMPORT) and Sisa Namandje, Inc., respectively. This landmark achievement marks the first time in Namibian football history that all 14 regions will have active third divisions and regional women’s leagues, fulfilling the NFA Executive Council’s strategic objective of providing every aspiring young footballer with an opportunity to play at a level commensurate with their abilities.
On the international front, despite setbacks in the 2025 AFCON qualifying competition, the Brave Warriors have a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NFA firmly believes that if Namibia wins its remaining qualifying matches, qualification is within reach. The association calls on all Namibians – corporate entities, government, the public – to unite behind the national team and contribute to this historic pursuit. The benefits of World Cup qualification would be immense, putting Namibia on the global stage and potentially opening doors for players to secure professional contracts abroad, similar to the impact of the 1998 AFCON qualification. This must be a national effort, not solely an NFA undertaking.
Beyond the senior men’s team, the Namibian Under-17 and Under-20 girls’ teams are also participating in their respective World Cup qualifiers. The Brave Gladiators, the senior women’s national team, are also preparing for a crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against eSwatini next month. These competitions present further opportunities for Namibian players to showcase their talent and strive for qualification. Despite resource constraints, the NFA is committed to providing maximum support to these national teams.
From a capacity development perspective, the NFA’s first ever CAF C Diplomaregistration process will start in the coming weeks, targeting coaches from the NPFL and WSL. The Course is anticipated to start on the 24th March 2025. It will however also cater for all the 1st Division as well as youth coaches.
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 programs for referees, coaches, and volunteers, ensuring the sustainable development of football across the country. The NFA plans to announce the launch and rollout dates for this exciting project towards the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The NFA wishes all football stakeholders a prosperous and successful 2025. The association expresses its hope that everyone will contribute to the growth and elevation of Namibian football.