Leading Ugandan Sports journalist Usher Komugisha believes there is no guarantee for success for COSAFA, and South Africa in particular, despite having two teams in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Seven sides have already been confirmed for the eight-club elite continental women’s tournament, with only the hosts still outstanding as CAF is yet to make an announcement.
COSAFA will be represented by newcomers the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
In the 2023 edition of the tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire, UNAF had two teams from Morocco, AS FAR and SC Casablanca. The latter finished as runners up while AS FAR claimed a bronze medal. Both lost to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies along the way.
“It is great for COSAFA and particularly for South Africa to have two teams, but it does not necessarily give the region an advantage. Every team has its own cross to carry. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies come into this edition as the reigning champions and most successful side with two titles in three seasons having reached the final in the second season, but they will have to be consistent to defend their title. They have a target on their back,” said Komugisha.
“On the other hand, UWC are debutants and will have to learn on the job. Looking at the format of the tournament, three games in the group stages is unforgiving. They will have to come out of the blocks in near-perfect form if they want to stay alive in the jungle. It is a tall order but they can deliver if they prepare well.”
The other qualified teams are Eagles of the Medina (Senegal), Edo Queens (Nigeria), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), CBE (Ethiopia) and AS FAR (Morocco). Four sides, with the exception of the unknown hosts, will be making their debut in the tournament.
“The CAFWCL is growing in leaps and bounds. UWC will become the first educational institution to feature at this stage, hosts CBE have been knocking on that door for a while now, Aigles de la Médina represent a rising nation while Edo Queens are the third different Nigerian side to qualify for the CAFWCL,” added Komugisha.
The sport analyst and commentor says despite there being more newcomers in 2024, this does not imply that the tournament will be a breeze. UWC, Edo Queens, Aigles de la Medina and CBE will all be making their first appearance.
“Four debutants do not make it easier for anyone because what that means is that the scouting reports are going to be difficult to compile until at least after the first game and even then, one does not know what trick has been left in the bag. There is so much to play for, and it should be an exciting and unpredictable competition,” she said.
Sundowns Ladies and AS FAR are the most experienced teams in the tournament as they have been ever present since inception.
The South Africans lifted the trophy in 2021 and 2023, while the Moroccans are the 2022 winners.
“The pressure is on – on both teams. South Africa and Morocco are the current leaders of women’s football across the continent at both club and country level. Consistency is the name of the game,” concluded Komugisha.
By Matlhomola Morake
