African captains happy with the growth of women’s football ahead of WAFCON

The national team is placed in group B alongside Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania. 

They will take on East African side, Twiga Stars in their opener on Monday. Speaking in the webinar organised by CAF with other captains from across the continent, Jane says she is impressed with the growth of the women’s game.

“I started playing WAFCON in 2012, so over the years I’ve seen the big changes that have been happening in this tournament. Firstly, when it comes to the number of teams in the competition, moving from eight to now the number that we have, 16, shows growth,” Jane said.

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“You also look at the players that are playing in the tournament, quite a number of players play overseas now and have a lot of experience to share with their own counterparts and it increases the standard of the competition. 

“Also to add to that, you look at the prize money that has been put forward by CAF, now this tournament is the tournament to be in because of the prize money and that money changes women’s football in our countries. 

“So, with all those changes, it’s been positive, it’s been growing and I know there’s still more to come because women’s football is definitely on the rise across the African continent.”

Adding to what Jane highlighted is Zambia captain Babra Banda…

The Orlando Pride star currently holds a record of being the only player in the Olympics to score three hat-tricks.

Banda says the marketing of the tournament has also improved which helps inspire the next generation of young female football players.

“Honestly, I would say, it’s so amazing seeing African women’s football grow and it’s something that I want to see more often when it comes to the WAFCON. I think it’s something that inspires even the young generation because I think the marketing for WAFCON has become so good, so it gives motivation to the young generation,” Banda added.