After nearly two months of football action, the NFA Cup will conclude this Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, with organisers reflecting on the competition's impact across the country.
The tournament has provided a platform for players, teams and communities while bringing together men's football, women's football and futsal under one competition.
The tournament kicked off in May and has run uninterrupted for more than seven weeks.
Despite challenges during the preliminary stages, the competition progressed through the rounds and became a key event on the local football calendar.
Chairman of the NFA Standing Organising Committee, Niklaas Kisilipile, says the NFA Cup has provided opportunities for regional teams, uncovered talent and generated economic activity in communities that hosted matches.
"The competition started on the 9th of May and it has been going now for seven and a half weeks uninterrupted. Just like every good thing when it starts, we had a bit of a bumpy ride with the preliminaries. But then we had the draw and started with the round of 32. It was a very good competition. It is the identity and the face of the NFA. It brought a lot of surprises, created a lot of economic opportunities, and exposed a lot of talent. Many players from the regions had the opportunity to travel to other places. But so far, so good."
One of the tournament's achievements was its inclusive approach, bringing together men's football, women's football and futsal under one competition banner.
Kisilipile said the women's competition provided a platform for players to showcase their talent and highlighted the growth of the women's game in Namibia.
"Thank you to the Executive Council for including women's football, men's football, and futsal. Women's football is growing so much. It was an opportunity for many of us to go and watch the exploding talent. Women's football is not where it used to be. It is growing and really making its mark in the world of football, and that is good for women."
Attention now turns to the final, where the remaining teams will compete for the title after progressing through the competition.
With the match set for the Independence Stadium, Kisilipile is encouraging football supporters from across the country to attend and support the occasion.
"Everything we have built up for the past seven and a half weeks is going to come to an end this weekend. There have been a lot of positives. The teams that reached the final did not get there just by showing up, they really competed. This is completely different from what we are used to. All I would say is, let's come in numbers. The NFA Cup is about connecting football and the fans back in the stadium. It will be fireworks. Please join us and be part of this epic final."
As the tournament reaches its conclusion, football supporters can look forward to seeing the finalists compete for the title.
Beyond the matches, the competition has contributed to local economic activity, brought communities together and provided exposure for emerging talent.
All eyes are now on the Independence Stadium as the tournament prepares to crown its champions.