Vries stresses NFA’s administrative drive

The Namibia Football Association (NFA), through its technical department, recently concluded a series of administration and event management courses for the country’s First Division streams.

The initiative formed part of the association’s continued drive to improve football governance and professionalism in the country. Hosted in Rundu, the opening workshop brought together 35 participants, who underwent practical and theoretical training in football administration, event coordination, competition organisation and operational planning.

NFA acting secretary general Mabos Vries said that strengthening administrative knowledge at the regional level is essential to building sustainable football structures and ensuring that clubs and leagues operate more effectively. The second workshop took place in Oshakati for the North West First Division stream, where club officials, administrators and football stakeholders from across the region participated in the programme.

The final course was held for the Southern Stream First Division, bringing the nationwide training initiative to a close. The workshops were designed to equip football leaders with the skills required to better manage clubs, competitions and football events.

Efficient structures - Vries emphasised that football growth depends not only on player development, but also on efficient structures behind the scenes.

“Football development is not only about what happens on the pitch, but also about strong administration and proper event management behind the scenes. These courses are important in ensuring that our First Division structures operate professionally and efficiently,” he said.

Participants covered key areas such as competition management, communication protocols, leadership responsibilities, event planning and general football administration principles.

The NFA believes the initiative will contribute towards a more professional football environment, while empowering administrators to play a meaningful role in the continued growth of the sport across the country.

The association has vowed to continue equipping football stakeholders with the knowledge needed to help steer the sport in the right direction. “Football on the playing field is very important, but the administrative part plays a crucial role in the development of the game,” said Vries. “This is why those committed to the beautiful game need to be equipped with administrative skills.”