Limba Mupetami

Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed a major structural shift in local football, announcing during its 34th Ordinary Congress in Windhoek that the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) will operate independently from the 2026/2027 season. 

The decision marks a pivotal moment for Namibian football, with the top-flight league expected to transition into a standalone professional entity. 

The Women’s Super League, however, will continue under the administration of the NFA as efforts to strengthen the women’s game remain a priority. 

As part of broader football development, the congress resolved that all NFA-affiliated clubs must establish functioning youth structures. 

Clubs already meeting this requirement will benefit from incentives made possible through FIFA-supported programmes. The NFA also confirmed it has received 800 footballs from CAF and 3 000 from FIFA, which will be distributed across all 121 constituencies to schools and recognised youth structures. 

While the independence of the NPFL has been welcomed by some, concerns have also emerged over the league’s readiness to stand alone. Football pundit Marco Ndlovu questioned the timing and clarity of the announcement. 

“There are no timelines or detailed steps on what is expected of the NPFL to ensure it becomes a fully functional, independent league,” Ndlovu said. 

“The office is understaffed, with fewer than five people running operations. Who will handle the enormous administrative workload? What budget has been set aside? Are there policies, regulations, structures, and financial safeguards in place? These are critical questions that need answers,” he added. 

He added that clubs will have to elect leadership structures, including a chairperson and management committees, while also proving they can work in harmony, an area that has historically been challenging. 

Another pundit, Kavii Vezemburuka said it’s a good move, but the groundwork should start now. “A committee to spearhead needs to be established as soon as possible. Once the league is independent, the NFA should allow the committee or the board of the league to run its own affairs and only watching the proceedings with an eagle eye from a distance and only advice when needed to do so,” he said. 

“I expect more sponsors to come on board and pump more money into the league, plus increased benefits to teams in terms of monthly grands, competition and league money,” added Vezemburuka. 

Several club bosses have also embraced the decision as a progressive step. Okahandja United chairperson Johannes “Congo” Hindjou described the announcement as “great news”, emphasising that autonomy is key to the league’s long-term growth. 

“Next season the clubs must take responsibility and move the NPFL forward. Unity is crucial if we want to attract investment and improve the product on the field,” he said.Rundu Chiefs chairperson Agripa Haindongo echoed similar sentiments, calling the move consistent with global football trends. “We are excited and looking forward to more sponsors coming on board,” he said. 

Mighty Gunners manager Leonard Kati Nambandi welcomed the decision for its potential to elevate professionalism and stability. 

However, he warned that the transition must be handled meticulously.“The process requires careful planning, transparency, and collaboration. If done right, it can create a more competitive and commercially viable league,” Nambandi said. 

Young African manager Maleagi Ngarizemo said the move did not come as a surprise, having previously engaged the NFA on the matter. “The independent league is what we wanted all along. I thank the president for keeping his word,” he noted.