Déjà vu looms in Namibian football

The current tensions brewing between the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and sponsors Debmarine Namibia are nothing new, but rather a familiar conundrum that typically unfolds after the conclusion of the football season.

Sources within the NFA have already hinted at another standoff between football clubs and the association. The squabbles have begun, following an exchange of accusations between Debmarine Namibia and NFA officials.



The league’s sponsors have accused the association of disrespecting them, while the NFA recently accused Debmarine Namibia of tarnishing the reputation of the football association.

Sport Wrap understands that the dispute stems from divisions among football clubs regarding how the league should be administered. Sources express concern that yet another significant delay in the start of the next football season looms, due to alleged divisions among clubs, the association's leadership, and the sponsor.



Several clubs are demanding that the football association honour the agreement and commitments signed prior to the start of the 2024/25 season. A document in possession of Sport Wrap, signed by all 16 clubs ahead of the season, confirms that the clubs acknowledged being fully informed of their rights and obligations under the 2024/25 sponsorship agreement.

The NFA and the clubs had initially agreed that by the commencement of the 2025/26 season, the league would become an autonomous entity with its own governance structure, in line with the NFA Statutes.



“The clubs comprehend the terms and conditions and commit to adhering to them,” the document further states.



However, speculation is rife that there are fears the football association and several clubs may allegedly drag their feet on this proposal.



“This is what some football clubs are prepared to do, and there will likely be a repeat of the same arguments that surface every time a season ends.



“Some of the clubs supporting the association are those that have always done so, while those pushing for an autonomous league are the usual ones,” a source said.



Some clubs remain adamant that playing under the full administration of the NFA is not a viable option, and continue to call for the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) to have a Board of Governors (BoG) as was previously the case.



The clubs have cited shortcomings, pointing to the fact that the league is currently administered by a single individual. They also argue that most members of the NFA executive do not own clubs and therefore allegedly have limited interest in the well-being of football teams.



In a statement, NFA acting secretary-general Cassius Moeti stressed that the association is a statutory body operating under clearly defined principles and objectives, including the mandate to safeguard the interests of its members.



Some sources have also defended the association, claiming that the formation of an independent league is not within the control of the NFA.



“I think football clubs must decide to start their own independent league and then seek approval from the NFA.



“However, I am also sceptical about such a plan, as it definitely cannot be implemented in just two months.



“That’s why I don’t think it is realistic at this point, and I find these issues as petty as always,” said a source affiliated with one of the clubs.