Sources close to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) have revealed that the association has failed to settle payments for all national teams, from the U-15 boys' and girls' teams up to the senior national teams, including the Brave Warriors.

Last year, the country’s U-15 boys and girls participated in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African School Football Championship for the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) region qualifiers, while the U-17 girls competed in the COSAFA U-17 tournament in South Africa last December, before participating in their recent FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers last month against Uganda.

The Brave Gladiators, on the other hand, played in the COSAFA senior tournament in South Africa from October to November last year.

The Brave Warriors had a very busy year, as they were involved in two different competitions: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers from September to November, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Lesotho in a two-leg tie, which saw Namibia knocked out in the early stages of the qualifiers played in October and November.

This month, the Brave Gladiators are preparing for their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Eswatini, while the Brave Warriors will resume their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.

Despite not receiving their money since last September, the players seem to have put aside their unpaid dues by honouring their commitments.

Last year, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service gave the NFA N$5 million towards the association’s operational costs, which include player salaries, particularly for the Brave Warriors.

The salary of players at the international level is believed to be around N$6,000 per match (Brave Warriors), while the Brave Gladiators' salaries are lower.

A few years ago, Brave Warriors players reportedly received N$10,000 per match, while the Brave Gladiators used to get half of that amount before it was reduced due to the NFA's financial difficulties.

“Since September, all national teams have not been paid,” said the source.

Another source close to the NFA said the controlling body is currently struggling financially, which is why they have failed to pay the players.

“All I know is that the NFA does not have money to pay the players. I think they are waiting for FIFA money,” said the source.

The NFA’s Secretary-General, Charles Siyauya, told Confidentethis week that he could not respond to queries at this stage, despite telling this reporter on Sunday, February 9, that he would give responses to the questions on Monday,10  February.

“Tomorrow, not today. I am still emotionally weak (due to the death of the founding father, Sam Nujoma). Sorry, I won’t be able to respond to your questions because of other competing demands,” said Siyauya.

NFA's Financial Woes Hit Players

…Owed since September

By Michael Uugwanga

Sources close to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) have revealed that the association has failed to settle payments for all national teams, from the U-15 boys' and girls' teams up to the senior national teams, including the Brave Warriors.

Last year, the country’s U-15 boys and girls participated in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African School Football Championship for the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) region qualifiers, while the U-17 girls competed in the COSAFA U-17 tournament in South Africa last December, before participating in their recent FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers last month against Uganda.

The Brave Gladiators, on the other hand, played in the COSAFA senior tournament in South Africa from October to November last year.

The Brave Warriors had a very busy year, as they were involved in two different competitions: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers from September to November, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Lesotho in a two-leg tie, which saw Namibia knocked out in the early stages of the qualifiers played in October and November.

This month, the Brave Gladiators are preparing for their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Eswatini, while the Brave Warriors will resume their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.

Despite not receiving their money since last September, the players seem to have put aside their unpaid dues by honouring their commitments.

Last year, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service gave the NFA N$5 million towards the association’s operational costs, which include player salaries, particularly for the Brave Warriors.

The salary of players at the international level is believed to be around N$6,000 per match (Brave Warriors), while the Brave Gladiators' salaries are lower.

A few years ago, Brave Warriors players reportedly received N$10,000 per match, while the Brave Gladiators used to get half of that amount before it was reduced due to the NFA's financial difficulties.

“Since September, all national teams have not been paid,” said the source.

Another source close to the NFA said the controlling body is currently struggling financially, which is why they have failed to pay the players.

“All I know is that the NFA does not have money to pay the players. I think they are waiting for FIFA money,” said the source.

The NFA’s Secretary-General, Charles Siyauya, told Confidentethis week that he could not respond to queries at this stage, despite telling this reporter on Sunday, February 9, that he would give responses to the questions on Monday,10  February.

“Tomorrow, not today. I am still emotionally weak (due to the death of the founding father, Sam Nujoma). Sorry, I won’t be able to respond to your questions because of other competing demands,” said Siyauya.