By Nkosana Khumalo
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAF Executive Committee meeting taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 September 2024. SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan arrived in Kenya ahead of the meeting, where crucial decisions regarding African football will be made, including the announcement of the host nation for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
SAFA has submitted a formal bid to host the prestigious tournament, seeking to bring WAFCON back to South African soil for the first time since 2010. Should South Africa secure the bid, it would provide a golden opportunity for Banyana Banyana, the reigning WAFCON champions, to defend their title on home turf.
SAFA’s Bid for WAFCON 2025
South Africa’s bid to host WAFCON 2025 represents more than just a tournament—it symbolises a chance to further uplift women’s football in the country. The growth of Banyana Banyana, highlighted by their victory at the 2022 edition of WAFCON, has invigorated support for women’s football across the nation. With SAFA’s commitment to advancing the sport, hosting the tournament would allow South Africa to showcase its growing infrastructure and talent pool, offering Banyana Banyana the home advantage to retain their crown.
The Role of CAF in African Football
CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi comes at a critical juncture for African football. With CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe presiding, the agenda includes major decisions on hosting rights for both the 2025 WAFCON and the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are poised to secure a joint bid to host CHAN 2025, but for WAFCON, South Africa remains a frontrunner .
Boosting Women’s Football in South Africa
The potential of hosting WAFCON 2025 goes beyond football matches—it serves as a catalyst for women’s football development in the country. By successfully staging the tournament, SAFA aims to drive further investment in grassroots initiatives, create more opportunities for female athletes, and continue the momentum gained from Banyana Banyana’s recent success on the international stage. Furthermore, hosting the event could inspire a new generation of female footballers while reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a capable host of major sporting events.
Danny Jordaan’s Strategic Vision
In a statement ahead of the CAF meeting, Dr. Jordaan noted the significance of a successful bid for the country. “It has been a good week,” he remarked, reflecting on Bafana Bafana’s recent 3-2 win against South Sudan in an AFCON qualifier, before shifting focus to Banyana Banyana. The SAFA President emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum across both the men’s and women’s national teams, suggesting that a home WAFCON could provide an unparalleled opportunity for South Africa to continue showcasing its football prowess.
Competitive Bids and CAF’s Decision-Making Process
While South Africa’s bid is strong, it faces competition from other nations. CAF’s decision-making process involves thorough evaluations of stadium infrastructure, accommodation, and the host nation’s ability to promote and grow women’s football. With women’s football gaining unprecedented attention across the continent, the bid will hinge on more than just past performance—it will require a comprehensive approach to event organisation and a clear commitment to advancing the women’s game.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are making strides in their joint bid for CHAN 2025, which is expected to be one of the key decisions announced during the meeting. This presents an interesting regional dynamic, as East Africa looks to increase its presence on the African football map .
Legacy of WAFCON 2022
South Africa’s successful campaign at WAFCON 2022 in Morocco remains fresh in the minds of football fans. The 2022 tournament saw Banyana Banyana lift the trophy for the first time, cementing their status as a powerhouse in African women’s football. With rising stars such as Thembi Kgatlana and others leading the charge, Banyana Banyana’s dominance during the tournament not only earned them continental recognition but also qualified them for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
By hosting WAFCON 2025, SAFA aims to build on that legacy, giving their team the best possible platform to continue their upward trajectory.
CAF’s Commitment to Women’s Football
CAF has increasingly shown its commitment to the growth of women’s football across the continent. The decision to expand the number of participating teams in WAFCON 2025 reflects CAF’s dedication to making the competition more inclusive and competitive. This expansion provides more opportunities for emerging football nations to compete on the continental stage, and South Africa could play a pivotal role in promoting this growth through a successful hosting bid.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has often highlighted the importance of women’s football, recognising its potential to unite communities and foster development across Africa. Motsepe’s leadership will be central to the decisions made at the Executive Committee meeting, including the selection of WAFCON 2025’s host nation .
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