CAF Confederation Cup storm brewing in Namibia

A CAF Confederation Cup qualification storm is brewing in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) circles.

Eeshoke ChulaChula FC want to represent the Southern African nation in the continental cup by virtue of being the 2025-2026 NPFL runners-up. However, the Namibian Cup is underway to produce such a flag carrier on the continent.

ChulaChula FC chairman Alfred Haufiku wrote to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Acting General Secretary Mabos Vries on 30 April 2026 vouching for his club’s CAF Confederation Cup participation.

Why Namibia league runners-up want CAF Confederation Cup

“Following the successful conclusion of the 2025-2026 Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) season, I am writing to you in my capacity as chairman of Eeshoke ChulaChula Football Club to formally confirm our participation in the upcoming 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup,” he wrote.

“Having secured the second-place position in the domestic league standings, Eeshoke Chula Football Club has officially qualified for the competition in accordance with the established CAF Confederation Cup rules and regulations regarding domestic league placements.

“Our club views this qualification not merely as a milestone for our nation, but as a significant responsibility. We are deeply committed to representing the pride and talent of Namibian football on the continental stage. It is our fervent desire to serve as worthy ambassadors of our nation, showcasing the growth and competitive sport of the domestic game to the rest of Africa.”

However, CAF Rules and Regulations on Confederation Cup qualification criteria stipulate clearly only a winner of a national cup qualifies for the Confederation Cup.

What CAF Rules and Regulation say

Article IV sub-section 2 reads: “If a federation is entitled to one club, the National Cup Winner will be engaged in the CAF Confederation Cup. If this National Cup Winner of a federation cannot be engaged to CAF Confederation Cup for various reasons, the Inter-clubs Committee reserves the right to accept the runner up of the cup by virtue of an application to be submitted in accordance with the regulations of the federation and /or the present regulations.

The same Article sub section 5 also rules out the possibility of two teams representing one national association in the continental cup, save for those from countries that have more slots.

“No Association will be allowed to engage more than two clubs within the CAF Confederation Cup,” reads the clause.

Meanwhile, ChulaChula FC are still waiting for NFA response on the matter which will certainly stir controversy.