Unam FC have urged the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to reconsider its CAF Confederation Cup representative, arguing their 2026 NFA Cup win entitles them to the spot.
This comes after NFA president Robert Shimooshili publicly confirmed Eeshoke Chula Chula as Namibia’s representatives, citing a clash between the NFA Cup’s conclusion and CAF’s registration deadlines.
In a letter dated 29 June, Unam FC chairperson Frednard Gideon says the club is concerned about the NFA’s choice.
“On 24 April, the NFA formally communicated to all participating clubs the document titled ‘Competition structure and dates- NFA Cup 2026’. The document expressly provided that the winner of the 2026 NFA Cup would qualify to represent Namibia in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
“All participating clubs entered and competed in the tournament on the basis of this officially communicated competition framework, and with the legitimate expectation that qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup would be determined accordingly.”
NFA acting general secretary Mabos Vries has acknowledged receipt of the letter sent from Unam FC.
“My first task is to first communicate to Unam FC before I give any communication to the public. We will discuss the matter at the earliest possible time,” he says.
Unam FC clinched the silverware after a drought-stricken football campaign, beating KK Palace by 2-1 to finally lift the trophy.
Gideon says Unam FC fulfilled the sporting criteria by winning the 2026 NFA Cup, thereby earning the right to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup on sporting merit.
“We appreciate that the association’s earlier decision to nominate an alternative representative was informed by the CAF Club licensing submission deadline of 30 June.”
He says the concern was the eventual winner of the NFA Cup would not have sufficient time to complete the licensing and registration requirements before the deadline.
“With the club licensing submission now extended to 25 July, this removes the administrative constraints on which the earlier nomination was premised,” he says.
He says the revised deadline now provides sufficient time for the duly crowned NFA Cup winner to satisfy all licensing, registration and administrative requirements in accordance with the applicable CAF regulations.
“Unam FC wishes to place on record that the club is fully committed to complying with all CAF Club licensing requirements, and is ready to complete any outstanding licensing or administrative processes within the revised CAF timeline.
“The club is therefore ready, willing and able to represent Namibia in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup,” Gideon says.
