South Africa will have two representatives at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco this weekend and will also be the only country with two representatives at the continental club competition.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will fly the country’s flag and the region’s when the tournament gets underway from 09 – 23 November. UWC open their account against TP Mazembe on Saturday while Sundowns face Masar on Sunday.
The irrepressible Sundowns will be eyeing a third Champions League title in four years and will be aiming to maintain their dominance on the continent.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan wished the two teams well and said their participation against strong opposition on the continent makes Banyana Banyana stronger.
“We wish both teams and the delegations the best for their participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League. We also extend our best wishes to the respective HODs – Elizabeth De Koker and her team Mamelodi Sundowns, and HOD Simphiwe Mkhangelwa, who is traveling with UWC. Emma Hendricks the HOD is recovering at home and unfortunately cannot make the trip. We wish her a speedy and full recovery,” the SAFA President said.
Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis: ” I would like to wish Mamelodi Sundowns and UWC all the best in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The experience you gain on the continent will be invaluable and will surely help Banyana Banyana in the future. We hope that you get to the final and know that the whole country will be rooting for you.”
CAF announced a few days ago that each of the eight African Women Football Clubs that are participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco will receive at least $150 000 in prize money.
“The competition was started under the new leadership of Dr Patrice Motsepe in 2021 and this year’s prize money has increased by 52% to $2 350 000. The Winner will receive $600 000,” CAF said.
Eight teams are set to compete in this prestigious tournament:
Holders: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Host: ASFAR (Morocco)
WAFU A: Aigles de la Medina (Senegal)
WAFU B: EDO Queens (Nigeria)
COSAFA: University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
UNAF: FC Masar (Egypt)
CECAFA: CBE FC (Ethiopia)
UNIFFAC: TP Mazembe (DR Congo).
