The Namibia Football Association (NFA) says Eeshoke Chula Chula FC was never formally confirmed as Namibia’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, despite the club having been submitted to the continental football governing body for consideration.
In an interview with Desert FM, NFA secretary general Mabos Vries says the association submitted Chula Chula’s name to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the club, which finished second in the 2025/26 domestic league, requested to be considered for the continental competition.
Vries says the submission was made after CAF communicated the deadline for member associations to submit their representatives, adding that Chula Chula’s participation was subject to CAF approval.
“The letter was very clear, subject to approval from CAF,” Vries says.
He says the NFA had already directed that the winner of the NFA Cup would represent Namibia in the CAF Confederation Cup, in line with CAF’s competition regulations.
However, the delayed NFA Cup, which saw Unam FC emerge as champions, concluded after CAF extended the registration period.
According to Vries, Unam subsequently became the eligible club to represent Namibia after winning the national cup within the extended CAF registration period.
Vries rejects suggestions that there had been a communication gap that created uncertainty over Namibia’s representative.
He also dismisses concerns that Chula Chula may have been disadvantaged after preparing for the continental competition, saying the club had been informed that its participation depended on CAF approval.
“I don’t know where the issue of preparing for a competition comes in,” Vries says.
“While you need to have a final approval from CAF, why do you start preparing?”
In a recent statement issued by Chula Chula, the club expressed disappointment over the decision, thanking its sponsors and supporters after losing the opportunity to represent Namibia in the competition.
The NFA’s position is that the club was never granted final approval, but was instead submitted for consideration while the association sought clarity from CAF.
With the matter now settled, African Stars will represent Namibia in the CAF Champions League after winning the domestic league, while Unam FC will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the NFA Cup.
Vries says the NFA’s role is now primarily administrative, including assisting the clubs with CAF club licensing, stadium requirements and the submission of information required by the continental body.
CAF has also made financial support available to clubs participating in its competitions, with Vries saying the NFA will assist the Namibian representatives in accessing and complying with the requirements.
