WALVIS BAY – Grassroots football across the country has received a significant boost from the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport).

Namport committed to sponsoring second and third-division leagues with N$10.5 million over three years.

Namport donated on Monday through the social arm, Namport Social Investment Fund (NSIF). 

As a result of the sponsorship, all Namibia Football Association (NFA) regional leagues for men and women will now be renamed to Namport Regional Football League for the duration of the sponsorship. 

The league will get N$3.5 million annually.

Namport CEO Andrew Kanime on Monday said that they have over the years made material investments in education, health, environmental stewardship and entrepreneurial development. 

“We’ve built infrastructure, developed facilities and launched capacity-building programmes. Now, through the NSIF, we are expanding our support to grassroots football development in partnership with the NFA,” he said. He urged the NFA to use the sponsorship effectively to fund second and third-division league activities as well as make a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth. 

He added that the partnership aims to nurture talent, elevate the profile of football in Namibia, and enhance competitiveness and skills development within the
divisions.

“We trust that the transparent use of this sponsorship will inspire other corporations to follow suit. Such combined support can amplify the positive impact of sport, particularly on our youth,” he said. 

“The future of any nation depends on its youth. By investing in young talent, we not only take youth off the streets but also contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development,” he stated.

Kanime said he hopes that the partnership will spark greater interest in football, ensuring that future generations have better opportunities to engage in the sport.

He hinted that more sponsorship could be provided after the three years, depending on how the money is used.

NFA praises impact

NFA president Robert Shimooshili, while accepting the sponsorship, said that the sponsorship goes beyond a marketing investment.

He stated that it is a commitment to nurturing young boys and girls from grassroots football and youth academies.

He said the sponsorship will positively impact the lives of 336 second-division clubs and 504 third-division teams.

“This is over 6 120 players nationwide. These numbers do not include administrators, match officials, medical staff and security personnel. The impact is enormous, enriching Namibian football’s narrative,” the president said.

He added that the sponsorship provides every club, regardless of league status, an equal opportunity to compete for honours in the Namport Football Awards for both men’s and women’s categories.

“The football development in Namibia is our collective responsibility. Sport benefits us all – directly or indirectly by fostering economic growth, reducing poverty and hunger, creating employment and uniting communities,” he said.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na