Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed hat the Brave Warriors will play their upcoming international home matches in Botswana.
This comes as Namibia works to upgrade its stadiums to meet international standards.
NFA interim secretary general, Cassius Moetie, said the association has finalised a partnership with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to host Namibia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
“The two football federations are fully aligned to continue building football in Namibia and Botswana. Hence, we are pleased to confirm that the Botswana Football Association has approved that the Namibia Football Association host its upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana,” said Moetie.
He added that the NFA is excited about the partnership and plans to mobilise Namibian fans from home, Botswana, South Africa, and across the region to travel to Francistown to support the team in their upcoming matches against Malawi and São Tomé in September 2025.
In 2022, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Namibia from hosting international games due to the poor condition of its stadiums.
Since then, Namibia has used venues in South Africa for its home fixtures.
Reports indicate the NFA paid about N$1.4 million per match to play in South Africa.
The association has not disclosed the cost of the new arrangement with Botswana.
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti said the government appreciates Botswana’s support during this time.
“We are aware that the general public would prefer to watch the Brave Warriors here at home… But I can assure you that we are coming, and that will happen soon… We will soon make an announcement in terms of upgrading our facilities. But in the interim, we have reached out to Botswana, and we received a very positive response. But on behalf of the Namibian government, we would like to say thank you very much to our brothers and sisters in Botswana,” said Ballotti.
Botswana Football Association secretary general Mfolo Mfolo, is a show of regional football development.
“It is a historic milestone because we are supporting our neighbours… and also as a member of the southern African community while they are still fixing their stadiums. As Botswana, we are saying, Let us support each other and propel our football to greater heights,” said Mfolo.
