Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) is mourning the death of its former president Charles Kauraisa.
Kauraisa, who died on 3 August 2025, was the first democratically elected president of the NFA after independence.
NFA president Robert Shimooshili announced Kauraisa’s death on Tuesday.
“On behalf of the executive council, management & staff, NFA and the entire Namibian football fraternity, NFA would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of a true icon of our sport, Mr Charles Kauraisa. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing on 3 August 2025. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his wisdom, humility, and dedication to football,” Shimooshili said.
He described Kauraisa as a transformational and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the development of Namibian football.
Shimooshili said Kauraisa’s contribution stretched from the grassroots level to the international stage.
“His contribution to the sport is immeasurable, etched into every level of the game, from grassroots development to the international arena,” he said.
Kauraisa was one of the founding members of African Stars Football Club. He helped draft the club’s constitution, laying the foundation for what Shimooshili called a benchmark of organisational excellence in Namibian football.
“His commitment extended far beyond club level. Following Namibia’s independence, his leadership was pivotal. He served as the second president of the NFA and was the first to be democratically elected, a milestone that symbolised the dawn of a new era,” Shimooshili said.
In July 1992, at the FIFA Congress, Kauraisa led Namibia to full FIFA.
Shimooshili said this move gave the country global recognition and access to international football platforms.
Kauraisa also served as chairperson of Blue Waters Sports Club and the former Namibia National Soccer League (NNSL).
During his tenure, he helped move the sport away from apartheid-era structures and into a unified national league system.
He later became chairperson of the Namibia Premier League (NPL), which succeeded the NNSL.
“Throughout his career, Mr Kauraisa was relentless in his pursuit of excellence. He worked tirelessly to secure sponsorships, improve the conditions for clubs, and raise the standard of football across Namibia. Above all, he was a people’s leader—humble, approachable, and committed to ensuring that football was a source of pride, unity, and opportunity for all Namibians,” said Shimooshili.
Shimooshili said Kauraisa’s legacy lives in the structures he built, the people he mentored, and the work he left behind.
“We will remember him not only for his institutional contributions but also for his humanity, his vision, and his enduring love for the game. While we mourn the loss of this great son of the soil, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion. Mr Kauraisa leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
