Dylan Bettencourt
Captains and coaches taking part in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) have outlined ways to get African women’s football up to speed.
While women’s football is on the rise across the world, there can be no denying that Africa is lagging behind.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a meeting on Wednesday to allow the women to voice their opinions on how their game can be improved. The meeting was attended by Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum and his captain Onome Ebi, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis and veteran defender Janine van Wyk.
Burundi coach Gustave Niyonkuru and one of his best players, Saffira Guinand, Uganda coach George Lutalo and goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, as well as Botswana national team boss Gaolethloo Nkutwisang and captain Bonan Otlhagile also attended.
Meskerem Goshime Tadesse, senior manager of women’s football development at CAF, said although the governing body has done work to improve the game, there was still more work to be done.
“Despite how far we have come in this direction for the development of women’s football in our continent, much remains to be done,” said Tadesse.
“The introduction of the Women’s Champions League, increasing the number of teams at Wafcon and establishing football schools across Africa have allowed teams to grow the game.”
She said they proposed and then imposed contracts and licences for the players.
“For a better level, coaches must have a B licence, while before it was a C licence,” Groshime said.
Each player and coach were said to have an opportunity to have a one-on-one session with CAF to present their suggestions.
Like the male sides, no female African side has won the Fifa World Cup – the ultimate goal for the continent.
Image source: @CompleteSportNigeria
