Latest news with #Women'sAfricaCupofNations
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Time for Change in Banyana Banyana's Leadership as coach Desiree Ellis struggles to run a watertight ship
RESPECTED Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has been criticised of appeasing Safa insteda of fighting for her players. | BackpagePix The winds of change must blow within the senior national women's team set-up. It is clear that the binder that is supposed to hold the structure together has lost its bearings. Desiree Ellis achieved the improbable with Banyana Banyana over the years, and for that, the nation will always worship the ground she walks on. Perhaps, if it wasn't for her, Banyana wouldn't be regarded as one of the powerhouses of African football today as many came and failed before her! Under Ellis' tutelage, the SA women's national team broke barriers, won their maiden Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualified for back-to-back World Cup finals. Perhaps, if it wasn't for her, some childhood dreams wouldn't have been realised and lives of some individuals and families wouldn't have been changed. And so, given all that she's done and more, she's duly befitting of all the recognition that she's received, including the coveted Order of Ikhamanga and Honourary Doctorate. But as rousing as that may have been, Banyana's unsavoury fourth-place finish at recent WAFCON and allegations against Ellis don't mitigate that her time is up. Judging by the team's performances during their preparations of the teams on home soil and external, few believed that they'd achieve the improbable and retain their title in Morocco. And instead of making sure the team made their naysayers eat humble pie - as everyone tends to love a twist in the tale - Banyana played right into the critics and finished fourth. Sure, losing is part and parcel of the game as even the reigning and 10-time champions Nigeria also finished fourth when Banyana triumphed in 2022. But what's worrisome and adds fuel to the fire of Banyana's poor run at WAFCON, is the revelation of Jermaine Seoposenwe during a recent interview on Marawa Sport Worldwide.
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Will Trinity Rodman return? Who will win MVP? What to know as the 2025 NWSL season resumes
The National Women's Soccer League is back. The second half of the 2025 NWSL season kicks off Friday with three matchups — Chicago Stars FC vs. Gotham FC (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Racing Louisville FC vs. Kansas City Current (8 p.m. ET, NWSL+) and Seattle Reign FC vs. Angel City FC (10:30 p.m. ET, NWSL+) — following a five-week summer break. The NWSL may have been paused from June 23 to July 31, but it was far from a vacation for dozens of players that represented their native countries on the international stage in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2025 Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. Gotham FC teammates Esther González and Jess Carter, for example, represented Spain and England, respectively, in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final. England ultimately won back-to-back titles after defeating Spain via a penalty shootout, but Carter's celebration was cut short. She opted to skip England's parade in London to return to the states ahead of Gotham's match Friday. "I couldn't be prouder to have been part of this England team," Carter wrote on Instagram after their Euro 2025 victory. "Gotham has quickly become a family and a team to me that I truly enjoy being part of so coming back to them straight away to prep for our upcoming game was a decision I made myself." As action is set to get underway in the NWSL, here are four burning questions going into the second half of the season: Who leads MVP race, will it overlap with the Golden Boot? Esther González is leading the 2025 Golden Boot Race and shows no signs of slowing down. González has a league-leading 10 goals in 13 games, becoming the fastest player in Gotham history to reach double-digit goals in a season. She was named the player of the month twice this season and has been pivotal to her team's success. Gotham is fighting to stay in playoff contention and is 5-1-0 this season when González scores. The Golden Boot winner has won the NWSL MVP award in every season but one since the league began play in 2013. (Lindsey Horan was named the 2018 MVP, while Sam Kerr won the 2018 Golden Boot.) So it's safe to say González leads the MVP race as well, but she will face stiff competition down the stretch. Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda are right behind González with eight goals each. Chawinga won the 2024 NWSL Golden Boot and MVP after becoming the first player in league history to score 20 goals in a season. If Chawinga repeats, she'll be the first player to win multiple Golden Boots since Sam Kerr won three consecutive (2017-2019). NWSL stars shine on international stage: Who competed? The NWSL not only features the best players in the country, but the best players in the world as evidenced by international competitions held this summer, including the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations and the 2025 Copa América Femenina. Esther González was the top scorer of the UEFA Women's Euro in Switzerland, scoring four goals for Spain across six matches. Despite Spain leading the tournament in goals (18), possession (65.8%), passing accuracy (88.5%) and attempts (147), the Spaniards lost to England, which featured Gotham defender Jess Carter, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan. In addition to González, five other NWSL stars found net during the Women's Euro 2025: San Diego Wave forward Delphine Cascarino scored two goals for France, Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen scored for Denmark, Seattle Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock for Wales, Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir for Iceland and Chicago Stars defender Natalia Kuikka for Finland. That same weekend, Nigeria won its record 10th WAFCON title in a comeback 3-2 victory over host Morocco. Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala and Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie were part of Nigeria's championship team. "I love seeing fellow NWSL athletes here represented in WAFCON," Alozie told ESPN on July 24. "It is so important to see that African players are excelling in the NWSL, and then coming and excelling at WAFCON, just like Banda and Racheal Kundananji have shown." Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda and Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji each scored three goals for Zambia in the tournament. The 2025 Copa América Femenina champion will be crowned on Saturday when Brazil faces Colombia in the final. Brazil's national team includes Pride forward Marta (one goal) and midfielder Angelina, Gotham FC forward Gabi Portilho, Current goalkeeper Lorena and Racing Louisville FC forward Ary Borges. Colombia's national team includes Racing Louisville FC centre-back Ángela Barón, Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (one goal) and San Diego Wave FC centre-back Daniela Arias. Can anyone catch the Kansas City Current? The Kansas City Current sits atop the standings and are clear favorites to win the NWSL Shield, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record. Kansas City is eight points ahead in the standings and has the highest goal differential (19), in addition to a perfect 6-0 record at home. The defending champion Orlando Pride (25 points) are in second place, followed by San Diego Wave (24 points) and Washington Spirit (23 points). A NWSL Shield doesn't equate to a NWSL Championship by any means. Since the league began play in 2013, only three teams have won the shield and championship in the same season, most recently the Pride in 2024. Will Trinity Rodman return to the Spirit? The Spirit are likely to have a boost in the second half of the season as forward Trinity Rodman nears a return. Rodman has been limited to four matches (one start) this season due to a chronic back injury that left her "in pain all the time," but the Olympic gold medalist is training with her team again. "I'm just happy to be back and actually in team trainings and not coming back on the side from step one," Rodman told reporters on Tuesday. "I'm still gonna be Trin. But, I think the way that I would throw my body around [before], maybe not. Maybe just being smarter about certain tackles, certain runs, certain 50-50s." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
FIFA President: Morocco Part of Global Football Elite
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Morocco as part of the 'global football elite' due to its growing infrastructure and role in hosting major international tournaments. Speaking during a reception hosted by King Mohammed VI to mark Throne Day, Infantino said the country's football vision under the King's leadership was 'immense'. He praised recent developments, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and the organisation of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, held from July 5 to 26. In a post shared on Instagram, Infantino said: 'It was an honour to attend the Moroccan Throne Day celebrations in M'diq. Many thanks to King Mohammed VI for his warm hospitality.' The FIFA President underlined Morocco's growing role in world football, noting the country's upcoming responsibilities. 'Football is an intrinsic part of the culture here and the country is set to host the next 5 editions of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup as well as co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030,' he wrote. 'I thanked King Mohammed VI for his continued support. His enthusiasm for football knows no bounds, and that was evident once again as he also welcomed the Women's national team, fresh off a wonderful Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign.' The Moroccan women's team, who also played at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, were present at the reception. Infantino added: 'Most of the squad had also represented their country at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 – I wish them the best of luck in qualifying for the next edition in Brazil in 2027 as well as to the men's team as they look to seal a spot at the FIFA World Cup next year.' Morocco is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Infantino said the country's facilities were of 'exceptional quality'. He also welcomed the opening of a new FIFA regional office in Rabat, located next to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. The new branch will coordinate FIFA's activities in North and West Africa. The inauguration was attended by Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Moroccan football federation head Fouzi Lekjaa. Infantino is currently on a private visit to Morocco with his family. He was seen in Chefchaouen, touring the old city and taking photos with residents in the main square. He expressed appreciation for the city's architecture and hospitality. He travelled earlier last week to Taghazout Bay, north of Agadir, where he is spending a holiday. The coastal resort has become a growing destination for international tourism and is expected to play a role in Morocco's preparations for future football tournaments. Local authorities in Agadir are pushing forward with road and infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. Taghazout, in particular, is expected to welcome international teams. Although Infantino's visit comes at a time when Morocco is increasing its investment in sport and tourism. The country is seeking to position itself as a major football destination. Tags: CAFFIFAFRMFGianni InfantinoKing Mohammed VILekjaamotsepeThrone Day
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Banyana's Seoposenwe aims parting shot at Safa
'Every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money, we have to fight about basically everything,' said the Banyana forward. Retired Banyana Banyana striker Jermaine Seoposenwe has slammed the South African Football Association in explaining her reasons for walking away from the international game at just 31 years of age. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso hails collective effort Seoposenwe's last game for Banyana came in the third-place play-off penalty shootout loss to Ghana at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on July 25. Banyana players' strikes And she told Robert Marawa on 94.7FM on Wednesday that constantly having to fight with Safa for recognition had worn her down. Banyana's players went on strike ahead of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in a bonus row with Safa. And they again went on striker before the recent WAFCON, over unpaid match appearance fees. 'I just want to love football … don't want to be unhappy … don't want to continue to struggle for things that, as a national team player, you deserve,' said Seoposenwe, who played for Banyana for 15 years, earning over 100 caps. 'I know what I can bring to the national team, but it's best that I walk away. 'The treatment, every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money, we have to fight about basically everything … why do we have to fight?,' she continued. 'Why can't you plan for the year? Fifa gives you a calendar, why don't you budget?' The Banyana forward even said the players were even on strike before her final game against Ghana, and that they went to the stadium late. 'It becomes difficult to do your job to the best of your ability. The country expects us to do these amazing things, but they don't know what's going on behind the scenes.' Despite their success in winning the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and reaching the last 16 of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup, Banyana have struggled to get new sponsors. 'Not celebrated enough' And it has now been reported by SABC News that Banyana's 16 year partnership with Sasol is coming to an end, after the global chemicals and energy company failed to reach an agreement with Safa. Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has also reportedly been working without a contract for some time. ALSO READ: Motau calls for patience after Banyana's poor WAFCON showing 'I'm talking about Banyana as a whole, I think this team is not celebrated enough for their achievements. I think with everything that this team has done on the field, there's no sponsors coming in, all of those things. I think they need to be celebrated more, they need more recognition, they deserve more because of that,' Ellis told Radio 2000.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Banyana's success has been stirring — it is not guaranteed to last
There are concerns that Banyana Banyana's successes of the last half-decade were a high point and the women's national team might battle to replicate such achievements in the near future. Their fourth placing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco this month could be seen partly as a sign of a team in transition as new talent is blooded by coach Desiree Ellis and a hugely successful older generation begins steps towards its exit. It can also be read as a warning that a slow decline might be coming all too soon after the generation led by stars such as Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe took Banyana to their first Wafcon triumph, also in Morocco, in 2022 and notched the first progression past a World Cup group stage by a South African senior team in 2023. A fourth placing is no disgrace — defending a title can be difficult and women's football globally is improving in strides each year. It's the talent pipeline and factors affecting it that raise concern. There were some good young players fielded by Banyana in Morocco this month, products of Ellis' injection of talent over recent years, aware her senior stars will be moving on soon. Among emerging stars were Ronnel Donnelly, Tiisetso Makhubela, Amogelang Motau and Karabo Dhlamini. But there is a concern the new talent pool does not quite have the depth and genuine star quality of the one it is succeeding. [WATCH] Banyana Banyana have returned home from Morocco following a disappointing stint at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. — SABC News (@SABCNews) July 28, 2025 Former Banyana coach Fran Hilton-Smith, the South African Football Association's former assistant and women's technical director who left those posts in 2021, and arguably the largest individual influence on the growth and success of Banyana, worries about these issues. Among these are that, while the launch from 2019 of the national women's Hollywoodbets Super League has been a notable positive development, it remains far from ideal and needs especially smaller teams to obtain sponsorships and for more players to be at least semi-professional. The women's academy established by Hilton-Smith at the high performance centre (HPC) at Pretoria University reduced its yearly intake for cost-cutting purposes when she left Safa. Then of course there is the bombshell ending of the hugely influential 16-year sponsorship of Banyana by Sasol. Safa has admitted it is battling to pull major sponsorships outside Banyana and Bafana Bafana, and serious questions are being raised about how the beleaguered association can find financial backers with embattled president Danny Jordaan at the helm while facing fraud charges. 'I think there needs to be introspection and rebuilding or restructuring for the Wafcon next year which is a World Cup qualifier,' Hilton-Smith told TimesLIVE Premium. 'The Hollywoodbets league and to some extent the Sasol [second tier] need some attention.' No cheers. No welcome. Just cameras and questions. Banyana deserved more than silence. Let's not only show up when there's a trophy. #RespectBanyana #WeSeeYou #QueensDeserveBetter — Sports Daily (@SportsDailyZA) July 28, 2025 There are some sponsored and well-funded sides in the Super League, such as the successful Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, TS Galaxy and university teams that use their good institutional resources and well-run sides like high-punching JVW. 'But there's a big gap between the teams that are sponsored and structured and the others,' Hilton-Smith said. 'My point is we need to improve the level of competition [among the lower sides] to ensure the players who come through to Banyana are playing at a competitive level not far from the players based overseas. You need to have a balanced national team. We need to ensure the feeder system to Banyana is of a high standard. 'Even Sundowns, with their good coaching and structures, who pay players a decent amount and, like the men's team, have had continental success and provide the backbone of the national team, can be problematic. Like in men's football, Sundowns Ladies can hoover up top talent and then good players get benched.' Teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have partnered with women's amateur sides, which feels like window dressing for the purposes of meeting Confederation of African Football requirements. so the men's teams can compete continentally. If those giants had dedicated women's teams that would also improve the standard in the Super League. Hilton-Smith is also 'not sure how many senior players will be available for Banyana next year'. This especially since disillusion among senior stars continue to grow given their treatment by Safa. There were player strikes over bonuses and conditions ahead of the 2023 World Cup and, inexcusably given they were defending champions for the past Wafcon. Senior stars' body language and messages given between the lines of their actions and statements indicate they are fed up with flying the flag, at huge effort, then facing such lack of backing. Thembi Kgatlana withdrew from the Wafcon squad for personal reasons and was notably missed in Morocco. Jermaine Seoposenwe announced she intended to retire from the national side after the tournament. Hilton-Smith is concerned Safa has scaled back the academy at Tuks' HPS. 'Of the team that won Wafcon, 14 came from my high performance and 15 from the [2023] World Cup squad. 'Since I was retired, the intake at the HPC hasn't been at full capacity.' Hilton-Smith said she understands that the withdrawal of Sasol, also sponsors of the 144-team nationwide amateur effective second tier of women's club football, as Banyana sponsors is still not completely certain, and could be reversed if Safa meet 'certain conditions'. 'We can't lose Sasol if they decide to pull out because they've been the lifeblood of Banyana, without a doubt, and the league and the history. They have a branch in the US and it's because of that and the funding that Banyana played the US [the world's No 1 US team] in America more than once. 'That's where we need to be. So we hope they will reconsider.'
