NFA revives Geingob Cup with nationwide format

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has officially revived the Dr Hage Geingob Cup and expanded it into a nationwide competition to be played across all 14 regions of the country.

The announcement was made on Friday in Windhoek during a ceremony at which President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah formally renamed the NFA Presidential Cup in honour of the late former president Geingob. Originally launched in 2014, the Dr Hage Geingob Cup was intended to run for ten editions and staged its final showcase in October 2024 at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium.

Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Geingob was widely recognised as a passionate supporter of football, even before assuming the highest office in the land. “His appreciation for sport reflected a clear understanding that football possesses a unique ability to bring people together, nurture young talent and strengthen national pride,” she said.

‘Let’s collaborate’ - The president further called on the private sector and potential sponsors to partner with sports federations and associations across the country.

She emphasised that collaboration between government and business is key to unlocking national development. “Sport represents far more than recreation. Across the world, it has become a significant economic sector capable of generating jobs, stimulating tourism and positioning nations on the global stage,” she said.

With the revival, the NFA said it has resolved to transform the competition from a single annual showcase into a structured national tournament involving all football streams under its jurisdiction. “Together, in unity and shared purpose, the NFA has formally resolved to carry forward the legacy of the late former president Dr Geingob. This decision honours his lifelong passion for football, his devotion to youth empowerment and his vision of a united Namibia,” the association said in a statement issued on Friday.

Geingob served as the inaugural patron of the NFA until his passing on 4 February 2024. At the same event, the association formally nominated Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare as its new patron.

Launch dates, funding - The NFA confirmed that the revamped Dr Hage Geingob Cup will be fully owned and administered by the association going forward.

While no exact launch date has been announced, the intention is for the competition to align with the 2025-26 season. NFA communications and marketing director Cassius Moetie said the competition will no longer be a standalone showcase but a structured national tournament. “It will now incorporate every league under the NFA, including the top-tier league, the nationwide First Division, the regional Second and Third Divisions, as well as women’s football,” he said.

Moetie added that key operational details, including the official launch date, fixtures, draw procedure, rules, regulations and prize money, will be revealed at a later launch event. On funding, he confirmed that discussions with sponsors are yet to take place. The previous edition of the competition was backed by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Namibian Breweries and Bank Windhoek during its 10-year run.

“These sponsors helped build the reputation of the Cup. We must engage them again, present the new structure and invite them to associate their brands with the revamped competition,” he said.