The FNB Women’s Super League 2023/24 kicks off this weekend, with clubs looking to get off to a flying start in the race to land the significantly improved prize money on offer.
For this season, the overall purse stands at N$250 000 – up from last year’s N$80 000.
The enhancement in prize money was made possible by several factors, including the relegation of two clubs at the end of the previous season, and the inflation clause in the sponsorship agreement between FNB and the Namibia Football Association (NFA), says NFA league director Mabos Vries.
FNB Namibia pledged a three-season title sponsorship of the WSL totalling N$7,5 million, which equates to N$2,5 million annually.
Vries has expressed his excitement about the upcoming season.
“The anticipation surrounding the league is palpable. We cannot wait to witness the talent, passion, and dedication our female footballers will bring to the field,” he says.
He says the league’s start was postponed due to the Brave Gladiators’ participation in a number of international competitions over the past three months, such as the Cosafa Women’s Championship, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and Olympic qualifiers.
Gordon Pokolo, FNB Namibia’s marketing executive, says the bank is satisfied with how last season unfolded and that it is committed to improving its participation.
The bank is considering assisting clubs with logistics to elevate the league’s professionalism, he says.
“We are looking at those suggestions to help the clubs with logistics, and as soon as we have made a decision, we will let everyone know. We would like this league to be run as professionally as other leagues,” Pokolo says.
He strongly encourages clubs to seek additional support from other corporates rather than relying solely on league grants.
The league will feature 12 teams this year, grouped as follows: Okahandja and Namibia Daughters FC (Group 1), Arrows Ladies and Nust Babes (Group 2), V-Power Angels and FC Ongos Ladies (Group 3), Ramblers Women and Ongwediva Queens (Group 4), Girls and Goals and Unam Bokkies (Group 5), while Khomas NamPol Ladies and Beauties FC are paired (Group 6).
Nust Babes take on V-Power Angels at Unam Sport Stadium at 15h00 in the season opener, followed by Arrows Ladies against FC Ongos Ladies two hours later at the same venue.
The following day, Nust Babes will meet FC Ongos at the same stadium at 14h00, while Arrows Ladies will take on V-Power Angels at 16h00. – Adapted from nfa.org.na
