The marketing, sponsorship and communications manager of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), Isack Hamata, confirmed that the Brave Warriors’ Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) match, set for 15h00 tomorrow against Zimbabwe, will take place behind closed doors at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
He provided clarity following a report in the Chronicle newspaper, which stated that the NFA is unable to meet the financial demands for stadium security costs, with the Namibian association already incurring nearly N$1.5 million just to hold the match at Orlando Stadium.
Allowing fans in would not result in any profit for the NFA.
“The NFA depends on the goodwill of its benefactors to make things possible, including hosting international matches. The NFA does not hide that it is resource-constrained. Therefore, all available resources must be used for maximum outcome. In this case, it is crucial for the NFA to ensure that the match is properly delivered, which does not come easy. It requires financial muscle,” Hamata stated.
He said any national team and federation would relish the chance to play in front of a large home crowd.
“Unfortunately, that has not been the case, since football authorities decided that Namibia’s matches cannot be played in Namibia due to stadium challenges,” he added. This decision has impacted fans and players alike, who long for the vibrant atmosphere of home support.
Hamata noted that while consideration has been given to the possibility of allowing fans to attend Namibia’s matches live, the financial burden on the NFA, the Namibian government and other sponsors would be too great if fans were permitted into the stadium.
“The NFA’s focus is, therefore, on ensuring a properly prepared match venue and on the team delivering the goods on the field. The NFA wishes the Brave Warriors all the best in their two matches against Zimbabwe this week. In the meantime, the NFA remains hopeful that all our national teams can soon return to playing on Namibian soil,” he added.
The encounter on Monday, which will serve as a home match for Zimbabwe, is expected to have fans in attendance.
As supporters eagerly anticipate the match, they remember Namibia’s recent impressive performance, where they reached the last 16 at the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast before being eliminated by Angola. However, Namibia’s chances of participating in the next edition of the tournament are in serious jeopardy, unless they can turn their current form around.
After two rounds of qualifying, the Warriors find themselves at the bottom of Group J, struggling to secure any points.
Namibia kicked off their 2025 Afcon qualification campaign with a narrow 1-0 away loss to Cameroon, followed by an unexpected defeat to Kenya.
Given these results, Namibia must avoid defeat in all their remaining matches to stand any chance of qualification.
Historically, Namibia has been successful against Zimbabwe, having won the last six encounters prior to this.
However, Zimbabwe will enter this match with a mixed record, since their Fifa ban was lifted last year, looking to avoid a fourth consecutive outing without a victory.
Their winless streak includes a 2-0 loss to Kenya at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Cup last year, along with back-to-back goalless draws against the Harambee Stars and Cameroon in the first two rounds of this competition.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na