Women's football at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre in Windhoek is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. Spectator numbers for the FNB Women Super League have doubled compared to five years ago, a testament to the rising quality of the women's game. Residents of Windhoek, particularly those from Katutura and the surrounding areas, are turning out in droves, young and old, to witness the exciting action, creating a boon for marketing the sport.

Despite past stereotypes that associated football primarily with men, attitudes are changing. Increased media coverage and social media promotion have played a crucial role in shifting public perception of women's football. Last weekend's matches at the NFA Technical Centre were a prime example, attracting large crowds, including Dino Ballotti, recently elected member of the 8th parliament and potentially the new minister of sport. Ballotti's presence underscores the growing recognition of women's football, as he is involved with Julinho Athletic, a club that fields youth teams, a Debmarine Premiership team, and a women's team in the FNB WSL.

Confidente spoke with several spectators at the NFA Technical Centre during an exciting 2-2 draw between Julinho Athletic Ladies and Khomas NamPol. Margaret Gaes, a dedicated supporter of Beauties FC Ladies, explained her consistent attendance: "I am supporter of Beauties FC Ladies and I am always here to watch women football because it is fun and very interesting.  I did play football when I was still in school. My favourite player is that number ten of Beauties (Fiola Vliete). I hope they will win the league," she said. She highlighted the free admission at the NFA Technical Centre as a significant factor, contrasting it with the N$52 round-trip taxi fare required to attend matches at the UNAM Stadium.

Johanna Angula, from Goreangab, shared her support for V-Power Angels, noting their impressive displays despite their struggles. "They have some good players. I only come to watch if I have nothing important to do at home. When they go play at UNAM I do not go there because it is very far and also taxi fares but if the team can provide me with transport, no problem. Yes, I am aware that football is mostly for men and I am aware that some girls are lesbians but still I do come watch football," Angula stated.

Justy Ilonga's introduction to football came through Eeshoke Chula Chula in the Debmarine Premiership. "Since men football is played outside Katutura, I cannot afford to pay gate fees and transport. It was last year when I started watching football because of Chula Chula when everyone was talking about them. Since then I started coming to watch football here," Ilonga explained.

Edward Haraeb is a familiar face at the NFA Technical Centre, enjoying both women's and lower-division matches. "Despite being a man I love watching Arrows Ladies and NamPol. There is nothing wrong for a man to watch women football. Last year I used to watch second division matches here. As you can also witness that there are lots of people here and this is good for the players," Haraeb commented.

Men's Football Struggles with Attendance in Windhoek

While women's football thrives, the Debmarine Premiership in Windhoek continues to grapple with poor attendance. Despite a N$30 entry fee, matches at the UNAM Stadium, like those this past weekend, have drawn sparse crowds. This low turnout is impacting the financial viability of teams, which depend heavily on gate receipts. The contrast with the larger crowds seen outside Windhoek is stark, highlighting the specific challenges faced by men's league matches in the capital. The recent match between Khomas NamPol and Okahandja United at UNAM stadium served as another example of the disappointing attendance figures.