The Namibia Premier League (NPL) has received a N$10 million-boost from the sport ministry.
Education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture deputy minister Dino Ballotti during his ministerial statement on Thursday told parliamentarians the government has made N$10 million available for the league.
Consultations were held on Thursday morning with Debmarine Namibia, which is unable to renew its sponsorship contract, the Namibia Football Association (NFA), and prime minister Elijah Ngurare.
“As a nation we are reminded that even our strongest corporate partners operate in a global environment shaped by external economic realities which are beyond our control,” Ballotti said.
He highlighted that Debmarine has invested about N$49 million in the premiership over the past three years, and over N$112 million in sport over the last seven years. However, the company now finds itself in an unfavourable position and is unable to continue the sponsorship.
As a result, Ballotti said the commencement of the league faced funding challenges. The government thus stepped in to ensure the games can carry on unhindered.
Ballotti noted that the ministry is now mobilising funds to ensure the league commences, while urging the private sector, corporate Namibia and others to come on board to ensure the continuation of the league.
The NFA recently postponed the league, which was scheduled to commence on 1 September, due to the lack of sponsorship. The new commencement date is as yet still unknown.
