NFA vows accountability as Namport-sponsored leagues kick off
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has vowed to ensure that every dollar of the N$90 million Namport sponsorship is properly managed and used for its intended purpose, warning that mismanagement and misappropriation of the funds will not be tolerated.
NFA president Robert Shimooshili made the commitment during the official launch of the 2026-2027 Namport-sponsored leagues at Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday.
“We will never allow misappropriation of these funds. We will not allow mismanagement of these funds, and we will not allow the money to be used for any purpose other than the one intended,” Shimooshili said.
He stressed that the NFA, as the custodian of football administration and development in Namibia, has a responsibility to ensure that the public funds entrusted to the association are managed responsibly.
The N$90 million sponsorship, spread over three seasons, amounts to N$30 million annually and is aimed at supporting football across all 14 regions.
Shimooshili described the partnership as a significant investment in the country’s football structures, bringing together the Namibia Premier Football League, nationwide first divisions, regional second divisions for men and women, as well as lower divisions.
He highlighted the importance of supporting regional and lower-league competitions, saying local clubs and communities are where many young footballers discover their talent and begin their journey towards professional football.
The sponsorship also includes support for women’s football, futsal and match officials.
“We appreciate your assistance and commitment towards the development of women’s football,” he said, thanking Namport for recognising the importance of inclusive football development.
Shimooshili called on participating teams to approach the season with commitment, professionalism and respect, urging players to respect their opponents and match officials. He encouraged coaches to continue nurturing talent and administrators to prioritise good governance and player welfare.
Milestone sponsorship
Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime said the sponsorship represents the largest annual investment in the history of Namibian football, with the N$30 million per season intended to give young Namibians a fair opportunity to turn their talent into opportunity.
Kanime said the investment follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call for public enterprises to help place the country’s national football competitions on a sound financial footing.
The funding builds on Namport’s existing involvement in football through its regional league sponsorship, which has reached approximately 720 teams since December 2024, he explained.
However, Kanime also emphasised that accountability would be central to the partnership.
“We count on you to lead with integrity and to account for every dollar. These are public funds that we have opted to deploy into football,” he said.
He said Namport expects the funding to reach the players, clubs and communities it is intended to benefit, adding that the nation must be able to see the difference the investment makes.
Kanime also called on other businesses to support football, pointing out that the sport creates economic opportunities in areas such as transport, hospitality, catering, merchandise, media and sponsorship.
Shimooshili officially declared the 2026-2027 season open, expressing hope that the three-year partnership would deliver lasting results for Namibian football.
“I wish the three years will be six years,” he said.
WEEKEND 1 NFPL RESULTS
The opening round of the Namport Namibia Premier Football League produced several decisive results, with Bucks Buccaneers recording the biggest victory by clobbering Khomas Nampol 6-1 at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium and climb to the early log-leading position.
For Buccaneers, September Charles Jovane and Chimbi Junior Ndonga each scored twice, while former African Stars and national team striker Edmar Kamatuka and Owen Damaseb each added one.
Defending title holders African Stars FC secured a 2-1 away win over UNAM FC, as talisman Willy Stephanus struck twice to overcome UNAM’s reply from Vinomaandero Kandjou.
Meanwhile, Mighty Gunners dealt an early blow to Eeshoke Chula Chula’s ambitions with a 2-0 win. The visitors from Otjiwarongo created goals by George Marselinu (an acquisition from Chula Chula) and Bernard Horaseb for a stunning result at Oshakati.
At Kuisebmund Stadium, Blue Waters won their Walvis Bay derby against Eleven Arrows 2-1, with a strike by Sabinus Lunyango doubled by an Arrows own goal. Blue Waters are led by a Spanish coach, Ruben Pinto Jimeno, this season.
Other victories saw FC Ongos beat Young Brazilians 1-0, KK Palace overcome debutants Onambula United 1-0, and Rundu's Millennium Julinho defeated visiting newcomers KK United 1-0.
Okahandja United and Tigers FC played to a goalless draw.
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