Despite not knowing whether there are renegotiations between the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and Debmarine Namibia on a possible sponsorship extension, premier league football teams will meet on Saturday to chart the way for an autonomous league.
A media statement by Young African FC owner Marley Ngarizemo this week says teams will embrace independence to unlock sustainable growth and sponsorship opportunities.
The statement says the clubs have agreed to meet this Saturday, to set up a working committee that will commence with the autonomy of the envisaged league and an official sponsor.
“We want to make sure all is set in time for the 2025/26 football season to kick off at the end of August or early September 2025.
“The Namibian Premier League (NPL) stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with the opportunity to transform Namibian football by achieving full independence, a model successfully adopted by leading leagues worldwide.
“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,” the statement says.
“Independence matters for the premier leagues globally. Football leagues that operate autonomously, such as the English Premier League, South Africa’s Bet-way Premiership, and others have demonstrated the immense benefits of self-governance.”
The release further says: “These leagues control their commercial rights, negotiate their own broadcast deals, and implement strategic development programmes, leading to increased revenue, better infrastructure, and stronger clubs.”
It said for Namibian football to thrive, the NPL must follow this proven path.
Currently, reliance on external governance structures limits the league’s ability to innovate, secure lucrative sponsorships, and invest in youth development.
The teams say independence would empower the NPL to attract major sponsorships and that an independent league can directly engage corporate partners, offering tailored sponsorship opportunities that benefit both brands and clubs.
“This financial boost will improve player salaries, stadium facilities, and marketing reach to develop sustainable club models. The clubs will have the freedom to build their brands, secure their own sponsors, and generate revenue through merchandising,” the statement reads.
It says ticketing and broadcasting rights will reduce dependency on unreliable funding sources and enhance competitiveness with better funding that clubs can invest in talent development, coaching, scouting and raising the overall standard of Namibian football.
Independent leagues can implement modern fan engagement strategies, digital platforms, and high-quality broadcasts, making the NPL more attractive to viewers and investors.
“The success of football in nations like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia highlights the transformative power of league autonomy. Namibia has the potential to achieve similar growth, therefore stakeholders, including the NFA, Namibia Sports Commission, clubs, sponsors, and the government must support the NPL’s transition to independence immediately.
“We must take control of our football destiny as club owners.
“An independent NPL will create opportunities for clubs to grow, attract investment, and ensure long-term sustainability.”
The statement calls on clubs and football stakeholders to collaborate and establish a governance and financial model that ensures transparency, accountability, and growth.
“The NPL is the top-tier football competition in Namibia, featuring the country’s best clubs and talent. The league plays a crucial role in developing football in Namibia and creating jobs for professionals and aims to achieve greater professionalism and sustainability through structural reforms,” the statement reads.
In an earlier interview, NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata said the association will meet once all football leagues are officially concluded and pronounce itself on the way forward.
He said NFA president Robert Shiimooshili met with club owners in favour of an independent league.
