The majority of clubs in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) have chosen to continue operating under the Namibia Football Association (NFA) management model.
This is at least for the 2025/26 season due to the absence of a concrete blueprint for independence.
This collective decision was revealed by a source who attended the NPFL Chairmen’s Forum held on 26 July.
The meeting has since sparked considerable speculation.
A source said 13 of the 16 NPFL clubs have agreed to remain under the current NFA structure for now.
Only Okahandja United and Young African voiced opposition to this stance, but, in the absence of a practical alternative, will also continue under the association’s guidance.
The league is expected to kick off in September, leaving insufficient time to establish the administrative and financial structures necessary for an independent league.
Need for blueprint
“All the clubs want the league to be independent. That’s not in question. But independence requires planning. Who will finance club operations? Who will pay the league staff? These are essential issues that need to be addressed first.
“There simply isn’t a working model in place yet. It must be clear that the NFA rules and regulations for the league were not rejected. Clubs only called for amendments to certain provisions that are not in line with the current realities on the ground,” added the source.
Despite frustrations over outdated rules and what many clubs describe as excessive interference from the NFA, the clubs’ desire for self-governance must now be balanced with logistical realities. The two options discussed at the forum were: full independence from the NFA and temporary governance based on the old Namibia Premier League (NPL) constitution, pending the development of new rules and structures.
An interim committee was formed to oversee this transition.
It is tasked with developing a transformation roadmap that includes legal and financial frameworks, governance structures and sponsorship strategies to eventually achieve full independence.
The committee is chaired by Nikanor Tueumuna.
It includes Frans Mbidi, Fabio Do Rego, Americo de Almeida and Mathias Haufiku.
As things stand, the league’s kick-off date is still pending confirmation of sponsorship from Debmarine Namibia, a key factor in the league’s operational plans.
The forum also saw the announcement that the Top 8 Cup, originally intended to follow the 2024/25 season, has been postponed until just before the 2026/27 season.
The initial announcement for the Top 8 to take place was met with criticism, notably from Okahandja United’s Congo Hindjou, who questioned the logic of announcing a tournament after the league had concluded.
“It makes no sense to tell clubs about a tournament after a season ends. You have to inform clubs from the start so they can plan accordingly – whether it’s to compete for Top 8 placement or avoid relegation. Whoever is sponsoring this Top 8 must be transparent from the beginning,” he said.
He noted that clubs need timely information to prepare adequately for competitions and manage expectations.
The source added that, since the Top 8 cup was called off, clubs asked NFA to negotiate with the sponsor and determine whether the budget could be utilised to arrange a pre-season tournament for clubs to prepare for the league.
Temporary model
Another anonymous source confirmed that the consensus at the Chairmen’s Forum was to continue under the NFA’s management model this season, primarily due to time constraints.
“This meeting wasn’t about setting a league start date. It was about planning the long-term future. There’s no massive disagreement. Everyone wants transformation. The process just needs structure,” the source said.
The Chairmen’s Forum, which brought together leaders of all participating NPFL clubs, also ratified the inclusion of three newly promoted clubs: Eleven Arrows, Life Fighters and Rundu Chiefs into the NPFL.
These clubs join a competitive roster, including African Stars, Blue Waters, Bucks Buccaneers, Eeshoke Chula-Chula, Julinho Sporting, Khomas NamPol, King Kauluma Palace, Mighty Gunners, Ongos, Tigers and Young African.
Notably absent from the forum was Unam.
Positive shift
Speaking on the developments, interim general secretary of the NFA Cassius Moetie hailed the forum as a pivotal moment in Namibian football. “These newly promoted clubs are no strangers to top-tier football. Their return, alongside existing powerhouses, reinforces the strength of the NPFL,” he said.
He confirmed the NPFL clubs’ unanimous reaffirmation of the NFA management model as a stabilising framework.
“At the same time, the NPFL is signalling a strategic shift towards a self-governed league aligned with modern governance standards,” Moetie stated.
He expressed optimism: “We look forward, as football people, to continuing to paint a positive narrative for our beautiful game. We aim to support the NFA executive council, its management and staff in building upon the progress already made”.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na