WINDHOEK — The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has kicked off its first-ever club licensing workshop, setting the stage for a more structured and professional upcoming 2024/25 men’s and women’s Premier League season. The workshop, focused on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP), began on Monday, attended by officials from the nation’s top football clubs.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the licensing process is designed to elevate the professionalism within the league. The online platform will serve as a tool for both men’s and women’s Premier League clubs to complete their registration and licensing, enabling their participation in the upcoming season. Haikali noted that the CAF’s licensing requirements include standards for infrastructure, sporting, personnel, and financial obligations that clubs must meet to compete.

The workshop represents a significant shift towards professionalism in Namibian football, moving away from informal practices previously common in the local scene. Haikali also emphasized that the initiative would eventually extend to lower divisions, ensuring that all levels of Namibian football meet minimum standards. Continuous consultations and further training sessions are planned following the workshop to support this transition.