The Namibia Football Association (NFA) is conducting a three-day CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop at Football House in Katutura. It started from 20 August to 23 August.

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 across Africa.

Speaking at the opening of a CAF Safety and Security Workshop for Namibia Premier Football League and Women’s Super League clubs, NFA president Robert Shimooshili emphasised the urgent need to protect match officials and ensure a safe environment for all stakeholders involved in the sport.

“We cannot tolerate insults, threats and harassment against our referees any longer,” he declared. 

This after some fans and coaches from lower divisions last season took it upon themselves to beat referees.

“We must protect our referees, players, sponsors, guests, spectators and ourselves. Zero tolerance for security threats at our stadiums is our goal,” he said.

The workshop, the first of its kind in Namibia, is being facilitated by CAF Safety and Security instructor from Uganda Humphrey Mandu, and CAF Safety and Security officer Xolile Vilakati from eSwatini. 

The workshop aims to equip clubs with the necessary tools to manage stadium safety and security. Namibia 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, Shimooshili assured that the NFA is committed to extending the safety and security programme to all levels of football, including regional leagues, youth competitions, and even the NFA headquarters.

“We want to ensure that everyone involved in football, from players and referees to supporters and staff, feels safe and protected,” he said. “This includes creating a secure environment for our match officials, ball kids, and even the small businesses operating around our stadiums.”

The NFA plans to roll out similar workshops to all regions, subject to budget and operational planning. The 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. – NFA