Future of women’s football in Africa on show as new generation emerges in COSAFA

The development of women’s football in Africa took an important step last month as a new generation of players, coaches and administrators took to the field and the classroom to hone their skills in a series of competitions and workshops organised by COSAFA.

With football in many countries around the world postponed as a result of the pandemic, the activities – which were supported by women’s football development funding from FIFA – represented the restart of organised football activities for many female players and officials in the COSAFA region and provided an important step in the development of young players, coaches and a new generation of female football leaders in Africa.

In a boost to many young female players, the COSAFA Under-15 girls’ schools tournament provided 12 teams from across 8 local football associations within an 80km radius of Port Elizabeth with the chance to return to the field, which saw Motherwell Football Association emerge as winners of the two-day tournament after a 1-0 victory in the final against Despatch Football Association.

Taking place around the COSAFA senior and under-17 women’s championships – which were supported by FIFA Forward, female coaches and administrators from southern Africa also took part in a series of workshops and courses around the tournaments with a 5-day administration course involving around 30 participants from local associations from the Eastern Cape Province.

In addition, over 30 female grassroots coaches from 8 Regions in the Eastern Cape Province also took part in an 8-day D-License Course, ensuring that a wider legacy will be witnessed across southern Africa following the successful return of youth and senior level women’s football in the region.

Speaking of the activities, Sue Destombes, General Secretary – COSAFA said: “COSAFA’s philosophy is not just about playing the game on the pitch – it’s about developing women across all spheres. Our administration course is specifically for female administrators in sport.”

Timothy Shogwe, Chair – COSAFA Competitions Committee added: “FIFA has come up with a lot of courses that have assisted administrators, coaches and referees for the development of the game and we are grateful for that.”

The support of the tournaments and courses is part of the ongoing commitment by FIFA and COSAFA to continuing the development of women’s football competitions and furthering the professionalisation of the women’s game in member associations across southern Africa and around the world.