Namibia’s representatives in the CAF interclub competitions are hopeful of hosting continental football on home soil, as discussions continue around the possibility of using the Unam Main Campus Stadium for their respective campaigns.
Namibia Premier Football League champions African Stars will represent the country in the CAF Champions League, while PSTbet Eeshoke Chula Chula FC are set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, as league runners-up
African Stars chairman Salomo Hei says the club would prefer to host its continental fixtures at home, citing both financial and sporting benefits.
“So yes, African Stars would like to play its Africa campaign at home. It would be a huge cost saving for us to play our home games here, but also it will give us the 12th man and enable us to have home support when you’re playing against teams from other countries,” Hei said.
The prospect of hosting CAF interclub football in Namibia comes after several years in which Namibian clubs and national teams have been forced to stage international matches outside the country due to stadium compliance challenges.
Hei says that the Unam Main Campus Stadium has already demonstrated its ability to host international football events.
“The Unam stadium has hosted international tournaments as you would know. The Under-17 women’s preliminary rounds were hosted here and also the Zone Six tournament,” he said.
While no final decision has been made regarding African Stars’ home venue, Hei says the possibility of playing in Namibia is being considered.
The stadium has already been approved to host certain categories of international matches by CAF.
“We hope that at some point we can host our home games here,” he said.
Hei says the financial burden associated with hosting matches outside Namibia remains one of the biggest challenges facing clubs competing in CAF competitions.
“It would be a huge cost saving. Even the grant that CAF now gives to clubs is a drop in the ocean, especially when you are playing away for both your matches. Travel and accommodation costs are highly, highly exorbitant on the continent,” he said.
He added that the issue extends beyond club football and also affects Namibia’s national football teams.
“I think it’s not only frustrating for Namibian clubs – for the national team as well. You want to have infrastructure support enabling football and sporting codes to optimise their potential. Playing away does not help, both on the sporting merit component, but also on the financial part. It simply does not make sense for us,” he said.
PSTbet Eeshoke Chula Chula have also expressed a desire to host their CAF Confederation Cup matches in Namibia.
The club’s marketing and communications manager, Jackson Da Silva, says preparations for the competition are already underway.
“As a club, we are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that we meet CAF requirements and standards. Our technical team, management and administrative structures are fully focused on preparing the team both on and off the field for this exciting continental challenge,” Da Silva said.
Like African Stars, Eeshoke Chula Chula would prefer to play in front of their home supporters.
“Absolutely. Our preference is to host our home matches in Namibia. Playing at home allows our supporters to be part of this historic journey while also creating a familiar and motivating environment for our players. We believe Namibian football fans deserve the opportunity to witness continental football on home soil,” he said.
Da Silva confirmed that discussions regarding the possible use of the Unam Main Campus Stadium have already taken place.
“We are encouraged by the positive progress being made and remain optimistic. The preparations are moving in the right direction, and we appreciate the efforts of all stakeholders involved in ensuring the facility meets the necessary CAF requirements,” he said.
He says that being forced to play outside of the country places a significant financial strain on clubs.
“Costs related to travel, accommodation, logistics, venue hire and other operational expenses increase substantially. These resources could otherwise be invested in player development, infrastructure, and the overall growth of the club,” he said.
Da Silva believes a return of CAF football to Namibia would have benefits far beyond the participating clubs.
“It would be extremely important. Hosting CAF matches in Namibia would not only boost local football but also contribute to the country’s sports tourism, economy and international profile. It would inspire young players, attract more supporters to the game, and demonstrate that Namibia is capable of hosting football at the highest level on the continent,” he said.
Both clubs are expected to begin preparations for their respective continental campaigns ahead of the 2026/27 CAF interclub season.
