Namport Board Chairperson Jerome Mouton has pledged strict financial accountability for the N$90 million football sponsorship, warning the Namibia Football Association (NFA) that the funds must reach the players, clubs, referees and coaches they are intended to support.

Speaking at the announcement of the three-year sponsorship, Mouton said Namport’s previous experience supporting grassroots football had provided valuable lessons on what works and where accountability needed strengthening.

In 2024, Namport invested N$10.5 million through the Namport Regional Football League to support second- and third-division football across all 14 regions.

He said those lessons would guide the implementation of the larger sponsorship, which will be governed by a three-year agreement with the NFA.

“Namport will therefore hold these funds in trust with the league community, and we are committed to ensuring that they deliver lasting value,” Mouton said.

He assured stakeholders that the money would be managed prudently, with transparent financial controls and proper accounting for every expenditure.

Mouton stressed that the substantial financial commitment carries a responsibility to ensure that the funds are properly managed and used for their intended purpose. “The board is acutely aware that these are public funds,” he said, adding that Namport intended to be both a supportive and demanding partner to the NFA.

Mouton called on the association to meet its obligations fully and on time, ensuring that the sponsorship benefits those at the heart of football development. “We ask that you meet every important obligation fully and on time, and that the funds meet the players, the clubs, the referees, the coaches to whom they are intended,” he said.

He said the partnership should combine Namport’s commercial discipline with clear governance responsibilities to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for Namibian football. “Together, let us give the nation leagues that we can be proud of,” Mouton said.

By Rud Bowe