Sports

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…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the achievements of athletes like Frank Fredericks and Helalia Johannes continue to motivate government investment in sport. She made the remarks at the official opening of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which began on Friday. Nandi-Ndaitwah said sport is an essential part of the country's development agenda,the potential to improve lives, drive economic growth, and promote peace and unity. “Just as agriculture nourishes bodies, sport nourishes souls, fosters healthy lifestyles, and generates immense economic opportunities,” she said. She also highlighted sport's role in promoting regional integration.  “When our youth…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Landless People’s Movement (LPM) parliamentarian Utaara Mootu has raised concern over the low wages and non-payment of football referees, warning that the situation exposes them to bribery and undermines the integrity of the sport. “Referees are paid as little as N$50 to N$400 per game, despite the physical, emotional, and professional demands of their work,” Mootu said in parliament this week. She directed her concerns to the minister of education, innovation, sports, youth, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, questioning the ongoing delays in payments by the Namibia Football Association (NFA).  Mootu said some referees have reportedly gone unpaid…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Young African Football Club chairman Maleagi Ngarizemo has backed calls for the Namibia Premier League (NPL) to become independent from the Namibia Football Association (NFA). Speaking this week, Ngarizemo said the league has reached a critical point and must embrace independence to drive growth and secure long-term sponsorships. “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,” he said. He pointed to global examples, including the English Premier League and South Africa’s Betway Premiership, as proof that self-governance works.  These…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced the final squad that will travel to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup, which will run from 8 to 19 July in Kampala. The tournament brings together the top eight rugby nations on the continent and serves as part of the two-year qualification process for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, set to be held in Australia from 1 October to 13 November. Namibia’s squad consists of 28 players, including 17 forwards and 11 full-backs. They will be supported by a 10-member technical and management team. Countries competing in the tournament…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Wild Dogs Football Club from Karibib were crowned champions of the Henties Bay Harambe Charity Cup over the weekend in Henties Bay. The team walked away with N$15 000 in prize money, a new soccer kit, 20 gold medals, and a trophy.  The runners-up, Amatuks, also from Karibib, received N$8,000, a new soccer kit, and 20 silver medals. Semifinalists Henties Bay United Football Club and Jomo Coastal Football Club from Swakopmund each received N$3 500. Tournament organiser Alderman Skini said the event was a success, bringing teams and communities together through sport and charity. He thanked all 16…

Allexer Namundjebo Palms for Life Football Club, based in Tsumeb, has made a strong mark on local football since its formation in 2021.  The team has consistently dominated local tournaments and gained recognition as one of the top clubs in the region. Although the team is currently ranked fifth in the Oshikoto Regional Third Division League, it has maintained a strong record in local competitions.  Formed in 2021 and officially joining the third division in 2022, the team consists mainly of students supported by the Palms for Life scholarship programme. Team manager Jesaja Goagoseb said their league position does not…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Special Olympics Namibia has announced the para-athletes who will represent the country at the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.  This year marks the first time that para-athletes will officially be included in the Youth Games.  The event will feature various sports codes and is expected to be a milestone for inclusion in regional youth sport. Special Olympics Namibia welcomed the move, saying it is a historic step toward equality in sport.  “We’re thrilled to introduce our incredible athletes who will be representing Namibia at the 11th AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, hosted across…