The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) recently made history by successfully broadcasting outside Namibia for the first time, covering the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 COSAFA Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Following their successful coverage, several regional and international partners applauded the broadcaster for delivering top-quality production and professionalism throughout the tournament.

Having already established dominance on the local scene, the NBC reached another milestone by taking its production expertise beyond borders, successfully broadcasting all 22 matches of the competition live on COSAFA and FIFA+ platforms.

COSAFA Executive Director Sue Destombes commended the NBC team for its professionalism and the high production standards demonstrated during the tournament, saying:

"For the first time in Zimbabwe, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was used during the competition."

The NBC played a key role in this historic rollout by partnering with Ramy Gamal, a FIFA and COSAFA VAR technician and instructor, to deliver top-quality video feeds for the VAR system.

Gamal praised the NBC for executing the technical assignment with excellence, noting the broadcaster's ability to adapt quickly to international production demands, stating:

"The NBC played a key role in this historic rollout by partnering with Ramy Gamal, a FIFA and COSAFA VAR technician and instructor, to deliver top-quality video feeds for the VAR system."

During the assignment, the NBC production crew also had the opportunity to collaborate with Zimbabwean professionals, including veteran commentator Steve Vickers and rising sport presenter Sandra Magahanye.

Vickers, who has previously covered major tournaments including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, described the NBC crew as dedicated and highly professional, noting:

"During the assignment, the NBC production crew also had the opportunity to collaborate with Zimbabwean professionals, including veteran commentator Steve Vickers and rising sport presenter Sandra Magahanye."

Meanwhile, Magahanye shared her excitement about gaining regional exposure and working alongside the NBC team during the qualifiers, saying:

"Meanwhile, Magahanye shared her excitement about gaining regional exposure and working alongside the NBC team during the qualifiers."

The NBC's successful regional broadcast in Zimbabwe not only showcased Namibia's growing technical capabilities but also set a new benchmark for future international productions.