Tigers Sports Club Withdraws From NFA Cup following Bucks Buccaneers FC’s withdrawal
Tigers Sports Club has formally notified the Namibia Football Association of its withdrawal from the upcoming 2026 NFA Cup, citing a breakdown in communication and a lack of financial provisions for participating teams. In a formal correspondence addressed to NFA General Secretary Johannes Vries, the club expressed regret over the decision but maintained that participation is currently a practical impossibility.
The club management revealed that the NFA’s invitations to compete were only received well after the conclusion of the domestic league in March 2026. Following the end of the standard season, the club had already followed through with administrative closure, which included the release of all technical staff, players, and logistical personnel. The club noted that the competition schedule was not communicated prior to the league’s end, leaving management without the necessary timeframe to retain staff for the cup tournament.
Beyond the logistical challenges of re-assembling a disbanded squad, Chairman Nelson Akwenye highlighted the severe financial implications of the NFA’s request. The club stated that re-engaging personnel for the NFA Cup would result in significant financial strain, particularly as the association has not offered any financial packages to reimburse or offset the operational expenses required for participation.
This announcement follows a growing wave of uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s organization. Tigers Sports Club becomes the second major team to exit the competition in quick succession, following the withdrawal of Bucks Buccaneers yesterday. Similar to the Buccaneers, the Tigers leadership indicated that their rights as a member club remain reserved as they prioritize the long-term financial stability of the institution.
While the club extended its best wishes for the successful hosting of the NFA Cup, the double withdrawal of two prominent teams raises questions regarding the coordination between the national association and its member clubs ahead of the 2026 tournament. The NFA has not yet commented on whether these vacancies will be filled by other teams or if the tournament structure will be adjusted.
