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CAF
2 days ago
- General
- CAF
Women's AFCON 2024: Team Profile
Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2025 How the Team Qualified Botswana secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 following a solid qualifying campaign. After progressing past the first round, the Mares faced Kenya in a high-stakes regional encounter in the second and final qualifying round. The first leg, played in Francistown, ended in a 1–1 draw. In the return leg, Basimanebotlhe Malete's side clinched a crucial 1–0 victory to book their spot at the finals. Tournament History Botswana made their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco. That year also marked their first-ever win at the tournament through a 4–2 victory over Burundi. Players to Watch Refilwe Tholakele A powerful and intelligent forward, Tholakele has proven to be deadly in front of goal for the Mares. A product of Botswana's Double Action club, she took a major step in her career by joining South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she finished as top scorer at the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals and was one of the standout revelations of the tournament. Quick, well positioned, and strong in one-on-one situations, Tholakele is also known for her relentless pressing and ability to hold up play. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija A goalkeeper known for her reassuring presence, excellent reading of the game and impressive reflexes on her line. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija has good footwork and knows how to distribute the ball efficiently and quickly, making her an asset in offensive transitions. Her ability to communicate effectively with her defence strengthens the solidity of her defensive unit. Despite a serious knee injury, she has shown great resilience and exemplary determination. A natural leader, she embodies professionalism and remains a role model for the new generation of Botswana's goalkeepers. Head Coach Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has been at the helm of the Botswana women's team since 2023. He brings a modern tactical approach, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation and detailed performance analysis. Holding a CAF B coaching licence and an advanced certification in tactical analysis, Malete integrates post-match review sessions into the team's routine, breaking down entire matches to identify key moments and improve collective decision-making. Aims and Group Analysis Botswana will be looking to better their 2022 quarter-final run. Their 2024 group is a challenging one, featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, they're banking on their defensive discipline and the sharpness of their front three to potentially cause an upset. As underdogs, the Mares may benefit from being under the radar provided they maintain a consistently high level of focus and intensity throughout the group stage.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Merveille Kanjinga, the Congolese prodigy on a mission in Morocco
Revealed during the last CAF Women's Champions League—won with TP Mazembe—the young striker took off for Paris Saint-Germain, where she continues her rise At 22, she has become a symbol of hope for an entire nation, embodying the rebirth of women's football in the Democratic Republic of Congo Back in Morocco, the land of her continental triumph, she is preparing to compete in her first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to lead DR Congo to the top This is not just a transfer—it's a leap into orbit. Signed by Paris Saint-Germain on the eve of her 22nd birthday, Merveille Kanjinga saw her childhood dream come true. 'It was my dream since I was a little girl. When I heard that Paris Saint-Germain wanted me, I was very, very happy. I could hardly believe my ears,' she says, still emotional at the memory of the announcement. Her arrival in the French capital is like something out of a fairy tale. But it is no accident. Paris noticed her because she shone brightly during the last CAF Women's Champions League—a tournament she dominated with TP Mazembe, culminating in victory in Morocco. This continental title, the first in the Congolese club's history, fast-tracked her career. 'There are so many good memories. We had a great team, very good teammates. It was an unforgettable moment.' A national pride, a continental symbol Her transfer didn't just bring joy to the French club. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the news was celebrated as a collective victory. In just a few months, Kanjinga has become the face of a rapidly evolving women's football scene. 'Yes, I realize what it means. People were very happy when they heard the news. I know they love it, and I do too.' On a continent where opportunities for women players are often scarce, her journey inspires admiration and hope. A child of Lubumbashi, she is now a source of inspiration for thousands of young girls. 'Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. What matters is what you show on the pitch,' she says, aware of her powerful image. Return to Morocco, where it all began Fate has its winks, and for Kanjinga, it brings her back to Morocco—where everything changed for her, where she won the greatest title of her career. But this time, she returns wearing her national colors to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. DR Congo finds itself in a tough Group A, alongside Zambia, Senegal, and host nation Morocco. 'I know it'll be tough, but we're going to give it everything, fight to the end. It's a game, and the best will win,' she says calmly but firmly. No boastfulness—just an unshakable belief in effort and the team. Though it will be her first WAFCON, Merveille is no longer a rookie. PSG and the Women's Champions League have hardened her. She doesn't shy away from the responsibilities awaiting her in the national squad. 'Yes, I see myself as an experienced player,' she says—a statement that speaks volumes about the maturity of this young striker, aware of her role as a driving force in a team seeking renewal. Legacy and role models When asked about the figures who inspire her within the Congolese squad, she answers quickly: 'Isabelle Diakiese is one of the most professional players I know.' A natural nod to those who came before her and held things together, passing down the culture. Kanjinga hasn't forgotten where she came from. She knows that a solid group, united around proven leaders, can disrupt the established order. This coming July could be a landmark. For her, of course, as she prepares for her first TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON—but also for Congolese women's football, which has been chasing results in the competition since winning bronze in 1998. Through Merveille Kanjinga, an entire nation dares to believe in a revival. And if Morocco was the place of her club breakthrough, it could now become the site of her national team crowning.
See - Sada Elbalad
04-05-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Masar Win 2024/2025 Egypt Women's Premier League Title
Rana Atef On Saturday, Masar retained the Egyptian Women's Premier League title for the 2024/2025 season. The competition of this year's league was tough as Al Ahly and Al Zamalek participated in the women's league for the first time. Despite this being a new experience, Al Ahly came in second place, while Zamalek finished fourth. Masar's victory in the Egyptian Women's Premier League ensures their representation of Egyptian women's football in the North African Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the fifth edition of the CAF Women's Champions League, set to take place in Tunisia from August 22 to 31. Early this year, Masar also claimed the bronze medal in the CAF Women's Champions League this season. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
CAF
06-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF launches groundbreaking program to strengthen women's role in African Football coaching
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to the development of women's football by launching the Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP). This initiative, set to begin in March 2025, coinciding with International Women's Rights Month, aims to enhance the skills and expertise of women involved in coaching education and training across Africa. A Structured and Inclusive Program Spanning three months, the WIDP will combine online modules with an in-person training session, ensuring flexibility for participants who are already engaged in professional football roles. The program's schedule is as follows: March 4 - 5, 2025: Module 1 – Leadership Module 1 – March 18 - 19, 2025: Module 2 – Communication Module 2 – March 25 - 26, 2025: Module 3 – Coaching Pedagogy Module 3 – April 8 - 9, 2025: Module 4 – Practical Knowledge Module 4 – May 5 - 9, 2025: In-person training and assessment (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) Beyond the structured training, participants will benefit from mentorship programs, ensuring ongoing support even after the course concludes. A Strong Commitment to Women's Inclusion in Football The WIDP will feature 29 participants from 22 CAF member associations, including national team coaches and key figures from the CAF Women's Champions League. Notable participants include: Sheryl Botes – Uganda Women's National Team Head Coach – Uganda Women's National Team Head Coach Lamia Boumehdi – TP Mazembe Head Coach and 2024 CAF Women's Champions League Winner – TP Mazembe Head Coach and Selam Zeray – Liberia Women's National Team Head Coach Additionally, renowned experts such as Touré Clémentine (Ivory Coast) and Jaqueline Shipanga (Namibia), both CAF Technical Committee members, will contribute their expertise, alongside specialists from UEFA and other international confederations. CAF's Head of Women's Football, Meskerem Goshime, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "This program is a crucial step in ensuring that women play a central role in the future of African football, both on and off the pitch. It reflects CAF's commitment to providing women with increased opportunities in leadership, education, and mentorship." Véron Mosengo-Omba: "Changing the Perception of Women's Football" CAF Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, underscored the need for a shift in how women's football coaching is perceived: "One of the priorities of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe since his election has been to develop and promote women's football. We launched the CAF Women's Champions League in 2021, and today, we continue this momentum with initiatives like the WIDP. "The image I want to change is that of women's teams being coached only by men. That is not right. We need to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in football coaching and technical management." The WIDP is part of CAF's broader strategy to reduce gender inequalities in African football, equipping women with the necessary tools to shape the future of the sport on the continent. The involvement of UEFA and FIFA in this initiative highlights its global significance. A Transformative Message for African Football Through the Women Instructors Development Program, CAF sends a strong message that African football must leverage all its talent, regardless of gender, to reach its full potential. By investing in the development of women coaches and instructors, CAF aims to create a more inclusive, competitive, and dynamic football environment across the continent.
