In a landmark moment for Namibian football, Fifa president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafström are scheduled to visit Namibia on 11 November. 

This will mark the first-ever official visit by the world football governing body’s top leadership to the country.

The visit, part of Infantino’s ongoing African engagement tour, will see him meeting several CAF member associations he has not yet visited since assuming office. 

Namibia’s inclusion among the first stops on his itinerary highlights the nation’s growing prominence and progress in football development at the continental and global levels.

As the Namibia Football Association (NFA) expects the visit, minor renovations like painting walls are currently being done, according to a reliable source.

 The Fifa delegation will engage in high-level discussions with the NFA and the sport ministry, exploring areas of collaboration aimed at advancing the local game’s professional and infrastructural standards.

Football analyst Kavii Vezemburuka expressed hope that the visit will inspire genuine progress rather than empty promises. 

“Our leaders must use this opportunity to voice Namibia’s pressing need for a world-class stadium. It’s not about sweet talk, but about tangible progress. 

The lack of an international-standard facility has long denied us the joy of watching the Brave Warriors play competitive matches at home,” he said.

Football enthusiast Moses Kahilu Shitumbo echoed similar sentiments on social media, describing the visit as a milestone for the nation. 

“Having both the Fifa president and secretary general visit for the first time is a huge achievement. 

It reflects Namibia’s growing visibility and potential in international football. 

This visit could open the door to strategic partnerships and new development opportunities,” he said.                 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na