Omaheke Regional Football Association opens player registration

The Omaheke Regional Football Association (ORFA) has officially commenced the player registration process for its second and third divisions. The first registration window opened on 3 August and is scheduled to close on 9 October. A second window will follow from 9 February until 6 March 2027.

ORFA chairperson Theobald Kahuure stated that member clubs must submit all player registrations, transfers, and necessary paperwork within these specific timeframes. He noted that these requirements align with NFA regulations regarding player status and transfers. The association has already sent notifications to its member clubs to ensure compliance with these rules.

For the upcoming season, the second division will expand to 12 teams from the 11 teams that competed last year. The third division is also set to feature 12 teams. This registration process proceeds despite recent complications involving the region's second division, which was recently prevented from entering the Southern Stream First Division playoffs.

That exclusion followed several high-scoring matches, including results of 19-0 and 26-0, which led to allegations of match manipulation. Consequently, the NFA suspended several Omaheke teams, including league leaders Omaheke Nampol FC, from national competitions while an independent investigation is conducted. Kahuure confirmed that while the NFA has permitted ORFA to proceed with player registrations, the association is still waiting for investigators to arrive.

Kahuure expressed uncertainty regarding the NFA's current stance, noting that two months have passed since the incidents without a formal investigation taking place. He questioned the logic of the NFA disqualifying teams from promotion playoffs while allowing promotions to continue without resolving governance concerns. He also mentioned that Leonardville, which has 10 football teams, has suggested creating its own local stream, though ORFA's ability to visit the area is limited by the NFA's position on the leagues.

ORFA will determine and announce the official kick-off dates once the NFA provides clarity on the standing of the regional leagues.