Hesron Kapanga discusses the tensions between Debmarine Namibia and the Namibia Football Association
June 18, 2025
Namibian football has been thrown into the spotlight again, not for on-field action but due to an escalating rift between its governing body and its main sponsor. Following scathing public remarks by Debmarine Namibia CEO Willy Mertens, accusing the Namibia Football Association (NFA) of disrespect and disregard for sponsors, the NFA has fired back with accusations of defamation and image damage.
The fallout, which comes just as the N$50 million, three-year sponsorship deal between Debmarine and the NFA ends, raises concerns over transparency, accountability, and leadership in Namibian football. To unpack the implications of this dispute and what it means for the future of the sport in the country, we are joined by sports analyst and journalist Hesron Kapanga.
