The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has announced that the 2025/26 football season will officially kick off later this month.

According to a statement issued by the NFA, the new season is set to commence on Friday, 24 October 2025.

“The official kick-off date of the 2025/26 football season is set for Friday, 24 October. All members are directed to comply with the requirements,” read the press release.

The association further stated that the player registration and transfer window is now open and will close just before the league’s kick-off. Existing and new members are also expected to renew their membership by 10 October.

However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions from clubs, with some expressing concern over the lack of clarity in the communication.

African Stars chairperson, Salomo Hei, while welcoming the return of football, criticised the statement for its vagueness.

This is good news, but there are many uncertainties. There is really nothing definite in that statement aside from the league’s return. It mentions we’ll get the same amount as last year, but does that only concern the NPL or all leagues?” he asked.

Hei also raised concerns about the administrative directives outlined by the NFA.

“The statement says clubs must submit fixtures. I have never seen that before. It also asks clubs to submit financial reports, while the same body was already asked to do that for Debmarine. Furthermore, there is still no comprehensive strategic plan. Are we starting football just to stop again once funds run out? We previously agreed the league would become independent to attract sponsorships, but that hasn’t materialised,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tigers’ chairperson, Nelson Akwenye, said his club was equally surprised by the public announcement, having received no official communication directly from the NFA.

“We don’t have much to say at this point because we haven’t received formal communication from the NFA. We’ve only seen the statement circulating. Normally, fixtures are shared weeks before the start of the league, and clubs are consulted for input, which hasn’t happened. So, for now, we’re just waiting for formal confirmation,” Akwenye said.

African Stars are the current champions of the Namibia Premier League, after winning the season.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na