Outgoing chairman of Julinho Sporting Dino Ballotti has articulated that the recent amalgamation of three clubs will elevate them into a fully integrated football organisation. 

The clubs involved are Julinho Sporting, Girls and Goals as well as Athletic Club Football Academy, who joined forces last week to establish a comprehensive football entity. 

This merger encompasses a men’s premiership team, a women’s premiership team, a Khomas Second Division development team (U/23), a Kavango East regional women’s development team (U/23) as well as academies in Windhoek and Rundu for boys and girls. 

The newly-formed organisation includes two futsal teams that will compete in the national futsal first division.

In an interview, Ballotti reflected on the merging, citing that the move had been in the works for years, with all parties sharing a common vision.

“This idea has been discussed for some time, focusing on creating a club that includes academies as well as men’s and women’s teams. From an economic standpoint, it’s challenging to secure resources for a single club. By forming one large entity, which includes men’s and women’s teams as well as an academy, we have become a complete club. This makes it easier to attract sponsorships,” he
said. 

Ballotti highlighted that the new club, named Julinho Athletic Football Club (JAFC), will encompass all elements of football, from junior teams to senior squads, including a futsal team. 

He emphasised that Girls and Goals share similar goals and values, which makes the merger a perfect fit.

“We have been advised that to professionalise sport in Namibia, premier league teams need to have both academies and women’s teams. That’s why this merger is a crucial step for us,” he added.

At the launch of the new club, Miguel Hamutenya was announced as JAFC’s chairman. 

He outlined his vision for the club, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent and running the club sustainably.

“My short-term goal is to build a bridge between youth academy football and Premier League football, positioning JAFC as a pathway club for local talent. We aim to create strong community ties and become a leading example of football excellence in Namibia by investing in professional programmes. Our strategic partnerships will provide young players with the opportunity to connect with professional clubs worldwide,” he noted.

In the long-term, he aims for JAFC to compete at the top of the Premier League, and become the most successful club in Namibia. 

“The focus is on running the club like a business, and ensuring it remains commercially sustainable,” he added.

Earlier this year, Debmarine Namibia Premier League champions African Stars also announced the acquisition of northern-based outfit Ongwediva Queens from the First National Bank Women’s Super League, as well as Ongwediva United from the Oshana Regional Football League second division. -mkambukwe@nepc.com.na