馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
NFA launches N$7.5 million NFA Cup 2026 amidst club withdrawals and financial concerns
via The Namibian3 min read
The Namibia Football Association NFA has launched the NFA Cup 2026, touting it as the largest football competition in the country's history, involving 66 leagues, 740 clubs, and over 21,900 players across all 14 regions. NFA acting general secretary Mabos Vries and spokesperson Casius Moeti stated the competition aims to expand playing opportunities and improve competitiveness. The tournament, funded with N$7.5 million through FIFA support, will include teams from the premier league, women鈥檚 super league, first division, second division, and regional leagues, with Futsal Namibia also participating for the first time. However, the launch comes amid concerns from clubs regarding the timing, financial readiness, and participation. Several teams, including Bucks Buccaneers FC, Tigers FC, and Life Fighters FC, have reportedly withdrawn due to cost implications, such as player salary commitments and unbudgeted travel expenses. The NFA confirmed receiving formal withdrawal notices and plans to address these internally before public communication. The association also faced scrutiny over club consultation and the tournament's role in CAF qualification, with the NFA asserting its authority in determining competition structures. The NFA confirmed that Namibia must nominate one club for the CAF Champions League and one for the CAF Confederation Cup, but the method of qualification league standings versus NFA Cup remains an outstanding issue. No commercial sponsor has been announced, wit
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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Namibia Wildlife Resorts NWR is currently engaged in the rescue of 96 hikers, including schoolchildren, who became stranded in the Fish River Canyon since Sunday. The hikers, comprising nine different groups, were affected by rapidly rising water levels downstream after NamWater opened the sluice gates of the Naute Dam. Heavy rainfall in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions over the weekend caused the Naute Dam to reach 116.9% of its capacity, while the nearby Neckartal Dam also exceeded 105.7% and began spilling water into the canyon. As a result, the Fish River hiking trail has been temporarily closed. NamWater reported that the Naute Dam's level prompted the opening of one sluice gate, releasing water at 102 cubic metres per second. Commissioner Marius Katamila, the ||Kharas police regional commander, confirmed that members of the Special Reserve Force and a police helicopter are assisting with the rescue efforts from NWR's Hobas resort. Ten hikers managed to exit the canyon on their own on Sunday.
Must ReadJapan has provided Namibia with N$80 billion in development assistance over the past 20 years, encompassing technical aid, grants, and scholarships. I-Ben Nashandi, executive director of the National Planning Commission, highlighted that this support has benefited infrastructure planning, agricultural productivity, and community empowerment. Approximately N$47 billion of this total was in grants and development assistance, nearly equivalent to one year of Namibia's national budget. Japanese ambassador to Namibia Shinichi Asazuma noted that the Japan International Cooperation Agency's core programs include technical assistance, feasibility studies, and master plans. A significant contribution has been in logistics and transport, with Jica supporting the development of Namibia's logistics hub master plan for the port at Walvis Bay, implemented in 2016. This initiative aims to increase cargo throughput and is crucial for Namibia's emerging offshore oil and gas, critical minerals, and green hydrogen sectors. Additionally, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program has sent 177 Japanese volunteers to Namibia since 2006, working in education, civil engineering, and local administration, with 11 volunteers currently active in the country.