League fixtures to headline Namport-NFA launch
Matches from different football tiers will headline the official launch of the nationwide sponsorship partnership between the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) this Saturday in Walvis Bay.
The launch programme at Kuisebmond Stadium will feature a series of fixtures, culminating in matches from the three league levels. Further details about the fixtures and arrangements will be communicated in due course.
The partnership will see Namport sponsor all leagues under the NFA, including the Namibia Premier Football League, Nationwide First Divisions, Regional Second and Third Divisions, Women's Regional Leagues and the Futsal Namibia League.
According to the two institutions, the agreement is the first of its kind in Namibia, with a single sponsor supporting every league, covering both men's and women's football.
The initiative is expected to reach clubs, players and match officials across all 121 constituencies in Namibia's 14 regions, marking the return of regular, nationwide football league competitions.
Talent development
Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime said the sponsorship aligned with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which recognises sport as a contributor to talent development, employment and livelihoods.
“Sport is a key component of the NDP6, which recognises it as a driver of talent development, employment and livelihoods, particularly for our young people,” Kanime said.
“As a public enterprise, Namport is doing its part to turn that national priority into real opportunity.”
Kanime added that football provided young Namibians with opportunities to develop skills beyond the playing field.
“Through football, we are empowering young Namibians in every region with a platform to compete, to build discipline, teamwork and leadership, and to pursue careers in and beyond the game.”
Strict financial accountability
The sponsorship will be administered under strict financial accountability arrangements, with Namport responsible for managing the funds and making payments directly to the intended beneficiaries in phased tranches.
Each subsequent tranche will only be released once the preceding funds have been satisfactorily accounted for. All expenditure must be related to football.
The arrangements will be formalised in a sponsorship agreement that the two institutions intend to finalise ahead of the launch.
Kanime said the partnership was intended to restore regular competitive football while ensuring that the funding was properly managed.
“The funds entrusted must reach the players, clubs and communities they are intended for, and every dollar must be accounted for. That is the foundation on which this partnership has been built,” he said.
NFA president Robert Shimooshili welcomed the commitment, saying consistent competition was important for developing players and strengthening the country’s national teams.
“This partnership provides players, coaches and administrators with the opportunity to play organised football week in and week out, which is essential for the development and success of our national teams,” Shimooshili said.
Lasting value
He said the NFA was committed to accountability and ensuring that the sponsorship delivered lasting value for Namibian football.
Beyond supporting clubs and players, the partnership is expected to create economic activity in host towns through venue hire, security, medical services and opportunities for local businesses.
The sponsorship will also provide players with regular match time and a development pathway from grassroots and regional competitions to the elite leagues and national teams.
