The Namibian Premier League (NPL) stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with the opportunity to transform Namibian football by achieving full independence or autonomy, a model successfully adopted by leading leagues worldwide.
By transitioning to an independent structure, the NPL can enhance self-sustainability, attract greater sponsorship, and elevate the competitiveness of Namibian football on the continental and global stage.
Globally, football leagues that operate autonomously — such as the English Premier League, South Africa’s Bet-way Premiership, and others – have demonstrated the immense benefits of self-governance.
These leagues control their commercial rights, negotiate their own broadcasting deals, and implement strategic development programmes leading to increased revenue, better infrastructure, and stronger clubs.
For Namibian football to thrive, the Premier League must follow this proven path. Currently, reliance on external governance structures limits the league’s ability to innovate, secure lucrative sponsorships, and invest in youth development.
Independence would empower the Premier League to attract major sponsorships.
An independent league can directly engage corporate partners, offering tailored sponsorship opportunities that benefit both brands and clubs. This financial boost would improve player salaries, stadium facilities, and marketing reach.
Develop sustainable club models: Clubs would have the freedom to build their brands, secure their own sponsors, and generate revenue through merchandising, ticketing, and broadcasting rights —reducing dependency on unreliable funding sources.
Enhance competitiveness: With better funding, clubs can invest in talent development, coaching, and scouting, raising the overall standard of Namibian football and improving performances in continental tournaments.
Improving fan engagement and commercial growth: Independent leagues can implement modern fan engagement strategies, digital platforms, and high-quality broadcasts, making the Premier League more attractive to viewers and investors.
A call to action for Namibian football
The success of football in nations like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia highlights the transformative power of league autonomy. Namibia has the potential to achieve similar growth, therefore stakeholders, including the Namibia Football Association (NFA), Namibia Sport Commission, clubs, sponsors, and the government. The latter must support the Premier League transition to independence immediately.
We must take control of our football destiny as club’s owners. An independent NPL will create opportunities for clubs to grow, attract investment, and ensure long-term sustainability. The time for change is now and clubs must note that they are the custodians of the league and not those running the NFA, so this decision lies fully with us.
As discussions progress, the NPL, clubs, and football stakeholders must collaborate to establish a governance and financial model that ensures transparency, accountability, and growth. The future of Namibian football depends on bold decisions today.
About the Premier League
The Premier League is the top-tier football competition in Namibia, featuring the country’s best clubs and talent.
The league plays a crucial role in developing football in Namibia and creating of jobs for professionals and aims to achieve greater professionalism and sustainability through structural reforms.
The clubs have agreed to meet on Saturday to set up a working committee that will commence with the autonomy of the league and make sure all is set in time for the 2025/2026 soccer season to kick off latest at the end of August or early September.
* Maleagi ‘Marley’ Ngarizemo Chairman of Young African