Women's Soccer Africa

2015 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP- A Historic Outing For Cameroon,A resurrection for Nigeria,what more ?

2015-06-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

What an eventful day yesterday turned out to be, with Nigeria fighting to the end to secure a well deserved draw against Sweden and Cameroon crowing a historic debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup with a historic win as the highest scoring African country.

Africa is really proud of these countries I should say, and congratulations to both nations. As the competition progresses the opposition gets stronger and more will be asked from Nigeria and Cameroon. Well,and La Cote D'ivoire too.
Watching USA vs Australia gave me chills considering the high level of discipline,the tactical approach to the game by USA,the tenacity of Australia not forgetting the abundance of talent at the disposal of both teams. The most important lesson Africa must learn is the discipline and character of these countries.

African women's soccer has come a long way but the niggling problem of tactical discipline still lingers. There is abundance of talent in Africa no doubt ! but taking the game to the next level is the ability to understand and execute tactical play in all departments.

Nigeria has loads of technically gifted players, but where they have always lacked is in tactical and organizational discipline.Cameroon made history by demolishing Ecuador much to the joy of the entire continent but there is a smoke screen here. They are not tactically sound. Gone are the days when talent and athleticism was all that mattered- you know, the kick,run, shimmy and shoot kind of soccer. The game has evolved and there is the need for one to be a student of the game in order to excel.

As I sat with rapt attention,eyes glued to my television screen,I couldn't help but feel sorry for the Ivorian coach Clementine Toure, when the camera zoomed in on her. The look on her face spoke volumes as her team were being mauled by the relentless Germans. All I could blurt out was "welcome to the world cup where there is no mercy". I saw a dejected coach wondering what just hit her or was it the look of being clueless ? Then the question arises, how did the coach prepare the team and what did she work on ?

La Cote D'ivoire may be excused for being debutantes and having to play against Germany,a heavy weight in women's soccer. However, their performance leaves a sour taste in one's mouth considering the level at which the Women's World Cup is played.I hope they can put the Germany experience behind and approach their next games a positive in a positive light working with the lessons learned from the past.

Cameroon and Nigeria may have done Africa proud with their performances thus far but the journey has not yet ended. Africa and the world expects more from them as expectations have been heightened. The onus lies on their handlers to enforce what they have drilled into their players and for the players to execute them to the maximum.
The rest of world of women's soccer is paying attention to Cameroon and Nigeria and Africa is routing for her representatives. So keep your heads up Elephants, soar higher Falcons, roar the loudest Lionesses for as Adidas spells it, IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Nigeria vs Sweden.. Live Stream watch here

2015-06-08T10:09:00.001-04:00

Team Overview

NIGERIA

Stengths-
Blend of veterans with young and experienced players.
Quickness on the flanks
Attacking fire power
Stamina

Weaknesses-
Defensive discipline
Shot selection
Over elaboration in ball possession
Defending set pieces

SWEDEN

Strengths-
Highly experienced players
Strong midfield
Tactically disciplined
Counter attacking
Defensive discipline (organization)

Weaknesses-
Stamina

2015 FIFA WOMENS WORLD CUP- GERMANY VS IVORY COAST FULL MATCH

2015-06-08T09:09:00.001-04:00

The historic outing of the Ivory coast saw them being white washed by Germany in a one sided game which led may wondering how the Ivorians qualified for the world cup, but there are more lessons to be learned by the Lady Elephants.It was obvious that the Germans were too strong for the Ivorians but the Ivorian performance was way below par.

The Germans made light work of Ivory Coast with crisp and quick passes which saw the Ivorians playing in their half of the pitch 99% of the game. Ivory Coast lacked discipline in all departments of the game and made countless mistakes of which the Germans capitalized. A few long balls played up field caught the Germans on the break but the hapless Ivorians made nothing out of it. But for the heroics by goal keeper Dominique Thiamale, the score could have exceeded 10.

Going forward, the Ivory Coast will have to put their best foot forward in their remaining games with some consolation from that fact that Thailand were also humbled on the day by Norway and hope that they can at least redeem their image against Thailand on June 11th.
Nigeria will have to come out swinging against Sweden today in Winnipeg to put some smiles on the faces of fans and players of African women's soccer. Look out for Oshoala,veteran Nkocha and Oparanozie to orchestrate a win for Nigeria and Africa.
Cameroon will also play their first game against Ecuador in Vancouver .

FIFPro to observe injuries at Women’s World Cup

2015-06-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

Two days remain before the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada kicks off. Though questions persist over the use of artificial turf as a playing surface FIFPro is looking forward to a great event which can be a next step in the ongoing development of the women's game.

FIFPro will also closely observe the physical condition of all players participating and is anxious to find out whether the upward trend of injury risk seen during the past three World Cups will continue.
The previous three tournaments show a clear trend of a steady increase in the mean number of injuries per match, rising from 1.7 injury per match in 2003 to 2.3 in 2011. This trend found in the women's game is in contrast with the trend observed in the men's game, where player injuries have decreased overall (from 2.7 in 2002 to 1.7 in 2014).

FIFPro has noted that the 2015 World Cup will be without some of the world's top players. The most notable absentee is Nadine Kessler, the reigning Best Female Player in the World. The German midfielder and team captain is recovering from a knee injury. Other prominent players who will have to watch from the sidelines due to injury include Caroline Hansen, Ingvild Stensland (both Norway), Bruna Benites and Debinha (both Brazil), Luisa Wensing (Germany), Hanna Folkesson (Sweden), Diana Matheson (Canada), Yang Li (China), Claudia van den Heiligenberg and Siri Worm (both the Netherlands).

The biggest star on the American team, Alex Morgan, is not yet fully fit, as she is trying to regain fitness after suffering a left knee contusion, though she will participate.
Is it all a mere coincidence, or is there an explanationfor the increase in injuries in women's football? These are questions which FIFPro and its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, would like to have answered. In his new blog, Dr. Gouttebarge views injuries in women's professional football through a scientific lens.

http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/fifpro-to-observe-injuries-at-women-s-world-cup

2015 FIFA WWC- $25000 per player From Cameroonian Government

2015-06-05T11:11:00.002-04:00

The morale and atmosphere in the Lionesses den is encouraging as they await kick off to the 2015 Women's world cup in Canada. To show their support for the Lionesses of Cameroon, the government released CFA 15,000,000($25,790) to be paid to each player before the team departed from their training base in Surrey for Vancouver after the amount was agreed upon. Although the amount agreed upon is half of the initial amount requested for by the team,the ladies seem satisfied with what they have been given.

The team released a video of players enjoying themselves to some music. Cameroon will battle it out in group C comprising of Japan,Switzerland and Ecuador. They will take on Ecuador in their first game on June 8th,2015 whiles Nigeria in Group D with Australia,USA and Sweden,will take on Sweden on the same day to kick of the world cup.

The Ivory Coast in Group B will play against Thailand on June 11th.

OSHOALA MAKES HISTORY WITH BBC WOMEN'S FOOTBALLER AWARD

2015-05-26T11:17:00.001-04:00

Nigeria and Liverpool forward Asisat Oshoala has been named as the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.

The 20-year-old forward is the first player to win the new award from the BBC World Service, voted for by football fans around the world.
She beat Spain's Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour.
"I would like to say thank you to the BBC, to my fans around the world and to everyone who voted," she said.
The award is the first of its kind hosted by a global broadcaster.
Oshoala, who was the youngest player to be shortlisted, was the tournament's leading scorer and was voted best player at the Under-20s World Cup in Canada last summer.
Her performances led Nigeria to the final, where they were narrowly beaten by Germany and she was also a major influence in the senior Nigeria team who won the African Women's Championship in October.
That ensured their qualification for this summer's World Cup in Canada, which begins on 6 June with full coverage on the BBC.
Oshoala said the honour was a big lift for Nigeria ahead of the World Cup and would help inspire young players in her homeland.
She said: "It's a really good thing for us as a team because we now know that we have something great and now we want to go at the trophy. We can do it, we did it in 2014 we can also do it this year as well.
"There is going to be a lot of motivation for women's football in Nigeria now because of this award because there are a lot of fans out there.

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BBC Women's Footballer of the Year: Asisat Oshoala profile

"Support for women's football in Nigeria is now growing very high.
"I know my Liverpool Ladies coach is going to be happy right now. Before I left the UK he called me and said to me 'don't worry I hope you win the award and we're going to celebrate it when you come back'."
Oshoala signed for Liverpool Ladies in January 2015, becoming the first African to feature in the Women's Super League, with manager Matt Beard calling her "one of the world's top young footballers".
Mary Hockaday, controller of BBC World Service English, paid tribute to Oshoala.
"At still only 20, she's proved herself a formidable talent on the pitch," she said. "I'm proud BBC World Service is supporting the women's game and thrilled with the interest in the award."

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32876188

Cameroon's B.C. arrival signals start of FIFA Women’s World Cup mania

2015-05-26T02:45:00.000-04:00

It took them about 20 hours in transit, but Cameroon’s team landed in Vancouver on Friday afternoon, marking the first appearance in Canada of a FIFA Women’s World Cup side.
Teams will begin trickling in over the next couple of weeks, with Australia the next team expected in a few days.
But Australia won’t be playing in Vancouver, unless it was to make the final in what would be a monumentous upset.
Cameroon’s Group C makes up the teams that will play at B.C. Place, along with defending World Cup champion Japan, Switzerland and Ecuador.
Cameroon, the second-best women’s team in Africa after Nigeria, is making its first women’s World Cup appearance, and its second appearance on the international stage after qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
“We look forward to good games here and will try (to win) by all possible means,” said Enow Ngachu, the women’s national coach for 10 years, at Vancouver International Airport.
“Our main objective is to do better than in 2012 at the Olympic Games.”
They lost all three of their games in London by an aggregate score of 11-1.
Cameroon arrived so early to acclimatize.
It was 32C with thunder and lightning in the capital, Yaounde, on Friday.
“We expect it to be cold and we want to be ready,” Ngachu said.
The tournament runs from June 6 to July 5, when the final will be held in Vancouver.
The Group C games at B.C. Place will be Cameroon/Ecuador and Japan/Switzerland on June 8 and Switzerland/Ecuador and Japan/Cameroon on June 12.
Other cities hosting games are Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton.
The World Cup final is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on July 5.
“We are in a tough group, but I think we’ll work hard,” said a jet-lagged Cathy Bou Ndjouh, a defender for Cameroon making her first visit to Canada.
“I hope we can be as entertaining as the men’s teams are at the World Cup.”
There was even a small welcoming party for the green, red and yellow-clad players.
“I’m very excited for us,” said Clay Somo, a native of Cameroon who owns Megatronic Cell Phone Services in Vancouver.
“This is our first World Cup competition, so I don’t know how we will do.
“Internationally, it’s too early to judge, but I hope we participate with honour.”
Next to Somo stood Barb Katz, asking him to explain soccer to her.
Better known locally as an enthusiastic hockey fan, she was there to greet the Cameroon team.
“Because you have to welcome everyone,” she said. “You have to.”
gordmcintyre@theprovince.com

Canada 2015:Pre World Cup Warm Up- Canada Hold Nigeria

2015-05-26T02:36:00.000-04:00

Nigeria battled Canada to a goal less draw in true grit fashion as both nations prepare for the kick off of this year's FIFA women's world cup.The Nigerians are a tournament dark horse. Lead by forwards Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons will compete in Group D with the Americans, Australia and Sweden. It’s deemed this year’s “Group of Death.”
The hard tackling Nigerians showed no mercy when Canadian legend Christie Sinclair went down heavily on the hard artificial turf twice and the Canadian coach called it a good learning experience going into the tournament. With black eyes,masks and bruises to remind the Canadians about the task ahead,The eighth-ranked Canadian women plays No. 6 England in Hamilton on Friday in their last outing before opening the World Cup on June 6 against No. 16 China in Edmonton.

OLYMPIC GAMES 2016 QUALIFIER- EGYPT HOLDS GHANA

2015-05-26T02:01:00.002-04:00

Having missed out on the 2015 FIFA women's world cup fiesta in Canada,Ghana is attempting to clinch a spot at the 2016 Olympic games as some form of consolation for failing to represent at the world cup.

The Black Queens of Ghana were in Egypt to play the first leg of the 2016 Olympic Games qualifier at the Petro Sports Stadium and were held by the Egyptian ladies to a pulsating even game. The Lady Pharoahs showed their intent when they scored in the first half after Ghanaian Cynthia Adobea was penalized for handling the ball in the Ghanaian penalty area. Egypt's captain Engy Ahmed converted the spot kick to put her side ahead.

The Ghanaians forced their way on to the score sheet later on when Portia Boakye evened out the score for a corner kick. Both sides made attempts at increasing the tally but could not break eachothers solid defensive barrier. At the end of the game,the Ghanaians seemed much comfortable knowing they have secured an all important away goal,
The Pharoahs saw positives from the encounter and were praised by coach Mohammed Saad who said "he is comfortable with the results" he ended.
The Ghana coach also heaped praises on the performance of Egypt but expects his team to end the dream os the Egyptians in Accra on May 30 2015.
“The Egyptians gave us a good test but we hope to finish the job in the return leg next week,” stated Yusif Bassigi.
The Egyptians will leave on Thursday for the second leg in Ghana. Should Ghana beat Egypt, they will have to beat Cameroon or Guinea Bissau in the third and fourth stage of qualifiers.Two teams will qualify to represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

International Friendly- The Lady Elephants of La Cote d'Ivoire vs The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon

2015-05-12T09:40:00.003-04:00

As part of their preparation towards the 2015 FIFA women's world cup, Cameroon locked horns with their Ivorian counterparts in a grueling match up,which ended in a 2-3 win for the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon. The game was played at the Robert Champroux stadium on May 10,2015.
The Lady Elephants kicked of strongly with some crisp passes but could not contain the Lionesses who showed their intent on the 14th minute mark with a goal scored by Akaba Edoa. Nguessan Koko cancelled out the score line when she zipped through the tight defensive barrier of the Lionesses to score in the 38th minute.

The game became a ding-dong affair with crunching tackles when on the 45th minute mark,Leuko Chiboso restored the Lionesses' lead with a beautiful goal on the break. The Elephants stomped their way through the fierce midfield of the Lionesses to equalize on the 70th minute mark through the efforts of Essoh Nadege, but the Lionesses secured a win on the day when Christine Manie sealed the fate the Elephants with a classy finish on the 80th minute giving the Lionesses a well deserved win.
The game served as a good test for both sides who showed their preparedness for the task ahead in Canada.

The teamsIvory Coast: Djohore Cynthia, Fatou Coulibaly, Kpaho Zote Nina Lohoues yeble (Cissé Nadege) Nguessan Koko Angel, Jessica Aby Emmanuella (Niamien Sandrine), Aminata Haidara (Gnago Jeanne) Diakate Mariam (Aguié Sophie), Amon Elloh Rebecca Jeanne Essoh Nadege, Tchetche Noukou Fernande (Kacou Koffi Raymonde).Cameroon: Ngo Ndom, Christine Manie (Cathy Bou) Awona Mary Leuko Chibosso, Etangue Siliki (Zouga Edoa) Meffou Metou, Ngock Yango, Ngo Belleck (Ngani Agathe) Akaba Edoa, Ngono Mani (Ada Jacquette) Abondi Onguene .OfficialsReferees: Christine Ziga (GHA), Aglado Emmanuella (GHA), Thaud Beatrice (GHA), Korah Zomadre (CIV).

Dike, Oshoala storm Super Falcons Camp

2015-05-12T08:39:00.002-04:00

Super Falcons invitee, Courtney Dike and Liverpool striker, Asisat Oshoala, have both arrived camp of the Super Falcons ahead of the World Cup in Canada. Dike arrived 4:am Tuesday morning, while Oshoala landed Monday night.
Dike, who plays for Oklahoma State University, was part of the silver-winning U-20 Falconets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada last year.

An excited Dike said after her arrival: "I feel super excited to be here because it's been a while since I've been with these girls. I have grown a lot as a player, especially from the last U-20 World Cup, so I am excited to bring my skills here and hopefully, help the team.
"It's a huge honour being in the Super Falcons. The U-20 experience was great; some of the players are still here and I am excited to play with them. I am equally excited to meet the new players as well and learn from the ones that are more experienced than I am. I also relish the fact that I will be playing against the United States where I live."

Meanwhile, Liverpool striker, Asisat Oshoala was also full of expectations of going back to Canada to excel with the Super Falcons. "It’s good to be back with the team. I look forward to the World Cup in Canada to excel with my team. It feels really good," Oshoala said.

http://www.thenff.com/2015/05/dike-oshoala-storm-super-falcons-camp/

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ - OFFICIAL TV Opening

2015-05-11T13:52:00.001-04:00

The Women's World Cup begins in June and many are eagerly waiting to see their favorite players show case their skills. We will be profiling the African representatives and providing real time information via twitter before and during the world cup.

In the interim follow us on twitter and like us on facebook.

Join FIFPro - Sign Up Here

2015-04-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

For female players from countries where it's not yet possible to become a member of the national players' union, FIFPro provides the possibility to become a direct member of its international worldwide players' union.
Players who become a direct member of FIFPro, authorize FIFPro to represent their collective interests on their behalf worldwide.
In the meantime FIFPro will do its utmost to ensure that membership will be open for female players in every national players' union as soon as possible.

http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/join-fifpro-form

Africa gets 3 slots for FIFA Women’s World Cup

2013-04-17T15:15:00.001-04:00

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has given the green-light for three African teams at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

This follows the decision to increase the number of participants to 24, eight more than the previous 16.
FIFA took the decision at a recent meeting of its Executive Committee.

By this, the top three teams at the Africa Women’s Championship (AWC) to be held in 2014 in Namibia will represent the continent at the women’s version of the Mundial.

It will be the first time Africa will be parading three teams at the tournament since its inception in 1991.

South Africa: Banyana Narrowly Lose to Republic of Ireland-Cyprus Cup

2013-03-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

A much improved performance by Banyana Banyana was not enough to avoid a 1-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland in the second match of the Cyprus Cup in Group C. The match took place in windy conditions at Tasos Markou stadium in Paralimni Cyprus.
A lapse of concentration in one of the most crucial stages of the match again - opening five minutes of the second half - saw the Irish girls profit through an Aine 'O Gorman half volley from inside the penalty area.
he Sasol-sponsored side dominated the contest in the first half, struck the crossbar three times in the second half, but unluckily failed to score against the towering opponents who came into the match buoyed by a 5-1 opening day drubbing of Northern Ireland also in Group C.

Playing with the advantage of the wind in the first half, Ireland put Banyana on the back foot but coach Joseph Mkhonza's charges weathered the pressure. From one such incident with the wind in favour of the Irish, Grace Murray watched in agony as her in-swinging corner kick from the left struck the crossbar and cleared to safety by the outstanding Janine van Wyk.
Refiloe Jane and Amanda Dlamini produced a far better display in the middle of the park to stifle the Irish but it was upfront where Banyana's attack looked jaded. Jane, in particular, played superbly as the protective shield for the back four. Jermaine Seoposenwe was sent through by a defence-splitting pass from Jane but saw her shot saved by Ireland goal minder Emma Byrne midway through the first half.

Substitute Noko Matlou and fellow striker Nomathemba Ntsibande, came close to scoring on three occasions in the second half but first Matlou's header agonizingly shaved the upright. Moments later, Ntsibande struck the upright with a fierce low shot while the Ireland goalkeeper Byrne dived low to save one of Matlou's other attempts towards the end of the match.

Arguably the best player on the park for Banyana was winger Mary Ntsweng. She thought she had scored with a long range effort but watched in disbelief as the shot cannoned off the crossbar following sustained pressure by the fighting Banyana side that searched without luck for the elusive equaliser.
Despite conceding early on in the second half, South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini performed well on the few occasions she faced challenging situations, a huge improvement from her first outing on Wednesday.
The 2012 African Women championship runners up will face Northern Ireland in their final Group C match on Monday (14:30) in Cyprus.
In the late evening kickoff after the SA and Republic of Ireland game, Korea Republic will play against Northern Ireland.

MATCH SCHEDULE

Wednesday 6 March

14.30 New Zealand – Scotland GSP Pitch 3, Nicosia

17.30 England – Italy GSP Main Stadium, Nicosia

14.30 Canada – Switzerland GSZ, Larnaca

17.30 Netherlands - Finland GSZ, Larnaca

14.30 South Africa - South Korea Ammochostos, Larnaca

17.30 Northern Ireland – Republic of Ireland Dasaki Achnas, Larnaca

Friday 8 March

14.30 Italy – New Zealand GSZ, Larnaca

17.30 Scotland - England GSZ, Larnaca

14.30 Switzerland – Netherlands GSP Pitch 3, Nicosia

17.30 Finland v Canada GSP main Pitch, Nicosia

14.30 Republic of Ireland - South Africa Tasos Markou, Paralimni

17.30 South Korea - Northern Ireland Tasos Markou, Paralimni

Monday 11 March

14.30 England – New Zealand GSP Main Stadium, Nicosia

14.30 Italy – Scotland GSZ, Larnaca

17.30 Netherlands – Canada GSP Main Stadium, Nicosia

17.30 Finland – Switzerland GSZ, Larnaca

14.30 South Africa - Northern Ireland Tasos Markou, Paralimni

17.30 South Korea – Republic of Ireland Tasos Markou, Paralimni

Wednesday 13 March

FINALS DAY

11.00 Paralimni 11/12 position

12.00 Dasaki Achna 9/10 position

14.00 Paralimni 7/8 position

14.00 GSP / Nicosia 5/6 position

14.30 Antonis Papadopoulos/Larnaca 3/4 position

18.00 GSP / Nicosia FINAL

The first-ever election for a female representative on the FIFA Executive Committee

2013-03-09T08:54:00.000-05:00

The first-ever election for a female representative on the FIFA Executive Committee is due to take place at this year’s FIFA Congress in Mauritius, with interim post-holder Lydia Nsekera among four highly experienced candidates vying for the position.

The Burundi Football Association President made history at last year’s FIFA Congress in Budapest when she was co-opted onto the FIFA Executive Committee as the committee’s first-ever female member on an interim one-year basis.

Starting with this year’s Congress in Mauritius, however, the position will be subject to an election process involving all the Congress members, and with the term of office extended to the same four years as the other Executive Committee members.

Nsekera will be standing against three other highly experienced candidates, each of whom were nominated by their respective confederations, and she fully recognises the significance of being able to contribute to FIFA’s Executive Committee. Speaking of the proposal – made two years ago – to create the role, she said, “I was delighted [about the news] and I said to myself that this would be good for the development of women’s football, the decision would encourage women to work harder and to fill senior positions in member associations”.

Nsekera, who is also an International Olympic Committee member, said that the further development of women’s football, particularly at grassroots level, will be high on her to-do list if she is elected in May. She also pledged to work on convincing other association presidents to develop the women’s game in their territories, as well as asking them to do more to put female administrators in decision-making roles, and she believes that the women’s game should use men’s football as a model for growth.

“Women’s football must develop in the same way as the men’s game and in all areas, such as refereeing, training, administration, governance, players’ status and marketing.”

Changing attitudes
Encouraging a change of attitudes within member associations is also a key aim for CONCACAF nominee Sonia Bien-Aime.

Having herself risen to the rank of General Secretary at the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), Bien-Aime believes that FIFA’s decision to include a woman on its Executive Committee will send out a clear message to individual member associations.

“It is FIFA saying ‘not only are we committed to growing women’s football, but we are also a gender-neutral organisation that recognises the role women can play in its movement to further develop and improve the sport’,” Bien-Aime explains, adding that “hopefully, it will encourage member associations to look closely at the composition of their own executive committees and follow suit”.

A former athlete who represented her country internationally in track and field events, softball and as the captain of the Turks & Caicos Islands women’s national football team, Bien-Aime also sits on the executive committee of the Caribbean Football Union.

Having worked in a “man’s world” at both national and regional level, she also believes that the decision to include a woman on the FIFA Executive Committee is not just about seeking a female perspective, but more about acquiring “knowledge and insight from women who are active in the administration of football and who can give a voice to issues common to the objectives of FIFA”.

Golden pedigree
Another candidate with sporting experience beyond the realms of football is New Zealander Paula Kearns, who has spent the last three years as CEO of Canoe Racing New Zealand, whose team took home an Olympic gold medal last year.

A keen footballer for the past decade, she has been involved at nearly every level of the game – as a player, a coach, an occasional referee and an administrator. In the latter category, she has been a club president, served as acting CEO of New Zealand Football (NZF) and, since 2008, she has been the women’s representative on the NZF executive board.

Describing her nomination by the Oceania Football Confederation as “an honour”, Kearns said it was also “an opportunity to make a real difference internationally to the progress and growth of women’s football”.

Kearns believes the role of the Exco representative is to be “the global advocate for women’s football and the voice for women”, adding that a close working relationship between football’s governing body and the confederations and national associations is the key to driving the women’s game forward. “I would work closely with FIFA staff to ensure that there is a clear strategy for the growth of women’s football that is being achieved,” she said.

Positive image
New angles and fresh perspectives are advocated by the last of the four candidates, Australia’s Moya Dodd.

A distinguished national team footballer who spent nine years representing her country – including a stint as vice-captain – Dodd went on to become the first female member of the executive committee of the Football Federation Australia, before also rising through the ranks of the Asian Football Confederation, where she is now a vice-president.

“To me, women’s football is a pure, fresh and spontaneous form of football to watch,” Dodd enthuses. “We see very little simulation or referee abuse, and plenty of good examples of respect and sporting spirit. Women’s football can help to create a refreshed, positive image for football globally.”

Dodd’s vision for the future of the women’s game is to increase the pace of football development for women and girls, create “elite pathways” to professionalism for those at the top end of the game and encourage greater participation of women in the game’s decision-making bodies at all levels.

Regardless of which candidate comes out on top at the FIFA Congress, however, Dodd is confident that the permanent presence of a woman on the Executive Committee will ensure that the ultimate winner is women’s football itself.

“I have found that most of my male colleagues are quite sympathetic to women’s football, but, when there’s a busy agenda, it can easily be forgotten or treated as a low priority,” Dodd explains. “Having a woman in the room can ensure that the FIFA Exco is informed, reminded and perhaps persuaded of these opportunities.

FIFA

IVORY COAST WOMEN'S SOCCER 2013 PROGRAM LAUNCHED

2013-03-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

Combine business with pleasure. This is what the Women's Football Commission has decided to launch its activities in the 2013 season by programming a festival on March 8 at CTNF Bingerville, on the occasion of the International Day of Women.

Pending the start of the championship in early April, the women's football players will meet Friday at the Centre Technique National Football (CTNF) from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., around a set of activities and festive studious called "Women's Football Festival ".

To the press on Wednesday, the President of the Commission for Women's Football (CFF) and the National Technical Director raised a corner of the veil on the program. Thus, the day will begin with a seminar upgrade coaches will be followed by a competition involving the 10 clubs in the national championship.

This is a warm-up for the players and managers who, according to the confidences of the President of the CFF, Mrs. Bertha Adou, will address the 2013 season with the same formula championship single pool, with 10 games to go in clubs and back.

E.K

FIFA EXAMINES NIGERIA "LESBIAN FOOTBALL BAN" REPORT

2013-03-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

Football's world governing body Fifa has written to the Nigerian Football Association over claims lesbians are now banned from playing football there.
Dilichukwu Onyedinma, chair of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), was quoted as making the statement.

"Any player associated with it will be disqualified," she is quoted as saying.
While contravening Fifa's anti-discrimination policies, the situation is made more complicated because homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria.

Currently, a Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill that specifically outlaws same-sex unions is awaiting a signature from president Goodluck Jonathan to go in to law.

If that occurs, gatherings of homosexuals or any other support for gay clubs, organisations, unions - whether in secret or in public -will be banned, with same-sex couples facing up to 14 years in prison.

In a speech at the NWFL's recent annual general assembly, Onyedinma is reported to have said that lesbian players would no longer be eligible for the Nigeria women's national team and would "be sacked" from their club sides.

The Super Falcons have won the Africa Women's Championship eight times, but exited the 2011 Women's World Cup at the group stage and did not qualify for London 2012.

BBC

Amanda Dlamini relinquishes captain’s armband

2013-03-03T08:48:00.001-05:00

Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini has resigned as the captain of the senior women’s national team with immediate effect and will be replaced by Janine van Wyk on an interim basis until a permanent replacement has been identified by the team’s technical team.

Dlamini, who is a student at the University of Johannesburg where she is currently completing her third year of study in Transport Management sighted her need to fully commit on her studies in her crucial academic year of study while also concentrate on improving her game without the huge responsibilities that come with leading the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana team among the reasons behind relinquishing the captain’s armband.

“It has truly been an amazing journey leading the team for the past three years and my position as captain has opened a lot of doors for me while on the field of play, I led Banyana Banyana during one of our most successful era which saw us make history and qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. I wish the next captain all the best in leading such an amazing bunch of talented and committed girls,” said the dreadlocked midfielder, who also plies her trade for the University of Johannesburg Ladies FC in the Sasol League.

“As a senior member of the team I will continue to give my support and guidance where it is needed. I’m grateful to SAFA and Sasol for their continued support for women’s football and for affording me the opportunity to lead our national team,” she added.

Dlamini has made 60 appearances for Banyana Banyana and has scored 19 goals during that time while she was the captain of the high-riding Banyana side since 2010.

Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza said: “When we first heard the news from Amanda we were all quite shocked and disappointed but we fully accept her decision and have supported her during this time. She has made a name for herself during the time she led the team, she showed good leadership qualities and saw the team through many successes which include participating in the Olympics and playing in the final of the African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea last year.”

Janine van Wyk, who takes over captaincy of the side during the team’s participation at the Cyprus Women’s Cup until a permanent replacement has been identified, is currently the most capped player in the squad and the coach and his technical team have full confidence in her to carry out the duties as the leader of the team.

Banyana Banyana are currently in Cyprus for the Cyprus Women’s Cup which will take place from Wednesday, 6th March until Thursday, 14th March 2013.

The Sasol-sponsored team are in Group C alongside Korea Republic, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile,Banyana Banyana hold New Zealand ahead of Cyprus Women's Cup opener

Banyana Banyana shook off their rustiness with a commendable 2-2 draw against the highly-rated New Zealand Women’s National team in a friendly match played at the Larnaca Sports Ground in Cyprus last night ahead of the start of the annual Cyprus Women’s Cup.

The Sasol-sponsored team, who last played a competitive match against Botswana in December 2012, fought back from an early goal down against the towering Black Caps ladies to equalise through winger Mary Ntsweng with the impressive Jermaine Seoposenwe netting the second goal on a rebound after the New Zealand goalkeeper had saved Janine van Wyk’s fierce shot to give Banyana a deserved lead.

With Banyana heading for a famous win, New Zealand grabbed an equaliser towards the end of the match through an own goal, off the hip of Banyana Banyana defender Nothando Vilakazi to make the final score 2-2.

Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza said of the outing: “We looked shaken and very rusty early on which was understandable as we haven’t played competitively in nearly three months but I was glad to see the girls gain confidence and play to instructions as the match progressed and then go on to hold this good New Zealand side.”

“Having arrived in Cyprus last Tuesday, we’ve quickly managed to familiarise ourselves with the usually chilly conditions we face in the mornings and evenings while the tactical training we have implemented on the girls seems to be progressing nicely thus far. We are grateful to Safa and Sasol for providing us with the opportunity of performing at this level again this year,” Mkhonza added.

Banyana Banyana will only regenerate today (Sunday) and then have a day off before getting back onto the training pitch on Monday and Tuesday for final preparations ahead of the opening match of the tournament against South Korea on Wednesday, 2:30pm.

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland make the other two teams in Group C alongside the Sasol-sponsored side.

SAFA

Ghana Women's Soccer League News

2012-12-29T11:00:00.001-05:00

The National Women's League returns action from the festive period to play before the turn of the year as the league enters match-day-3 this weekend.

Match action starts on Saturday in the Southern division with Soccer Intellectuals taking on Volta Amalgamated at the National Sports College Park in Winneba.

Hasaacas Ladies' impressive start of two wins will be tested on Sunday when they welcome Immigration Ladies to the Gyandu Park.

At the Dawu Park, Ayola Ladies will battle Cape Coast Ghatel to wrap the fixtures in the Southern division of the maiden league.

In the Northern Sector, unbeaten Fabulous Ladies take on Bolga Ghatel Ladies at the Wesley College Park in Kumasi on Saturday.

Then on Sunday, Ash-Town Ladies travel to the Coronation Park to play Prisons Ladies on Sunday.

Lepo Ladies and Ampem Darkoa clash at the Tamale Annex Stadium.

Match-day-3 fixtures

Southern Sector

Soccer Intellectuals v Volta Amalgamated - Saturday

Hasaacas Ladies v Immigration Ladies - Sunday

Ayola v Cape Coast Ghatel - Sunday

Northern Sector

Fabulous v Bolga Ghatel Ladies - Saturday

Prisons Ladies v Ash-Town Ladies - Sunday

Lepo Ladies v Ampem Darkoa - Sunday

FIFA Donate Soccer Equipment To Boost Ghana's Women Soccer League

2012-12-12T07:55:00.002-05:00

Ghana's preparation towards the start of the first national Women’s League has received a major equipment boost from world soccer body, Fifa.

Fifa has presented technical equipment worth thousands of dollars to support the organisation of the National Women’s League (NWL) ahead of the kick off on Sunday.

All 12 participating clubs in the inaugural league have benefited from Fifa donation which is made up of footballs, training kits, shin guards, goalkeepers gloves, boots and bibs.

Every club received a set of each of the items for 18 players with 12 footballs.

The donation from football’s governing body further cements its commitment to the development of women’s football, said Roman Hangadja, a Fifa instructor.

Executive committee member of the GFA and Chairperson of the WLB, Leanier Addy, expressed their appreciation for the ‘monumental’ support.

“The GFA spent close to GHC30,000 to clear these goods from the port and therefore can not give the clubs cash as they had expected, but these items are equally appreciated.

“This is a great surprise from FIFA and we are very grateful because it would go a long way to help the teams who will be playing in the league. It will cut down on their cost as they can now channel the money they would have used to acquire these items to another important use,” Ms Addy said.

Twelve clubs grouped into two sectors of six each will kick off the league this weekend.

FIFA/COCA COLA Women's Ranking- December Updates

2012-12-07T12:17:00.000-05:00

Life at the top of the FIFA/COCA COLA women's ranking table remains the same with the USA holding on to the number once slot. However the likes of Nigeria have seen their fortunes dwindling as they plunge five places to settle at the 32nd rank. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand saw the most gains as they climbed eight places to clinch the 54th spot.Angola dropped 27th places down the ladder,the worst on the continent per the December 7th ranking.Africa is still unable to break into the top 20 in the world.With strong showings by Equatorial Guinea lately, could they be the first African country to crack the top 20 in the world ?CLICK HERE FOR FULL WOMEN'S WORLD RANKINGS

Zon. Rnk	Team	Pts	+/- Pos
32	1	Nigeria	1622	-5
50	2	Cameroon	1467	0
51	3	Ghana	1459	0
54	4	Equatorial Guinea	1429	8
56	5	South Africa	1425	0
68	6	Côte d'Ivoire	1344	0
71	7	Morocco	1330	-1
72	8	Tunisia	1325	1
74	9	Algeria	1320	0
82	10	Egypt	1289	1
86	11	Senegal	1247	-7
90	12	Mali	1204	0
92	13	Zimbabwe	1197	2
100	14	Ethiopia	1163	1
105	15	Congo DR	1132	1
112	16	Guinea	1063	1
113	17	Namibia	1017	1
119	18	Tanzania	941	0
119	19	Zambia	941	0
126	20	Mozambique	873	-2
127	21	Malawi	840	-2
130	22	Botswana	708	-3
131	23	Congo	1238	0
131	24	Benin	1187	0
131	25	Angola	1134	-27
131	26	Sierra Leone	1132	0
131	27	Eritrea	1060	0
131	28	Gabon	1031	0
131	29	Burkina Faso	1003	0
131	30	Guinea-Bissau	927	0
131	31	Liberia	877	0
131	32	Swaziland	863	0
131	33	Comoros	534	0
131	34	Uganda	965	0
131	35	Lesotho	858	0
131	36	Kenya	816	0

Twelve teams to kick-off Ghana's maiden Women’s League

2012-12-04T07:47:00.002-05:00

The Ghana Football Association have confirmed that 12 teams will take part in the first nationwide Women’s League.

The maiden National Women’s League which will be launched on Tuesday, December 4 will kick-off on December 16.

Reformers Ladies, Lepo Ladies, Bolga Ghatel, Ampim Darkoah Ladies, Fabulous Ladies, Hasaacas Ladies, Ashtown Ladies, Ayoola Ladies, Immigration Ladies, Soccer Intellectuals, Cape Coast Ghatel and Ho Ghatel will all compete in the league.

Ghana's Women U17's Nominated For CAF Award

2012-11-28T19:54:00.001-05:00

Ghana’s Black Maidens conquest at the 2012 FIFA U-17 World Women’s Cup has been rewarded with their nomination for the Women’s National Team of the Year in Africa.

The Maidens have been penciled for the honour by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and faces stiff opposition from reigning African champions Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

The list was revealed by the continental soccer governing body on Tuesday, among the final batch of categories for the 2012 CAF Awards Gala.

The Ghanaian team made history at the global championship held in Azerbaijan, by placing third, the best ever by an African side in the history of the championship.

The winner will be made public at the Awards Gala to be held on December 20, at the Banquet Hall, State House in Accra.

Banyana Banyana's super 2012 reign of success bodes well for the future

2012-11-26T13:30:00.002-05:00

Banyana Banyana’s highly successful 2012 international football campaign has set the scene for a new era in South African women’s football and the race for places in the South African national women’s team is tougher than ever.
In a year which has seen the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana make their first ever appearance at the Olympic Games, followed by qualifying for the final of the CAF African Women Championship 2012 held in Equatorial Guinea earlier this month, the national players and technical staff have qualified for major awards on the local front.
Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza was named as the ‘Coach of the Year’ at the SA Sports Awards, while Banyana Banyana (Team of the Year category) and midfielder Portia Modise (Sportswoman of the Year) also made it on to the list of finalists nominated by the judges. Mkhonza was also a finalist in the GSport Awards – the premier platform of honouring those involved or participating in women sport in SA.
“The success of Banyana Banyana can be put down to the hard work put in by the players and committed efforts of the technical staff, plus the support of the Safa and our loyal team sponsor Sasol,” said Mkhonza.
“The Sasol League, which is the premier women’s league in SA played in all nine provinces, is a key platform through which talent is identified, and the Sasol League Road Show visits to the provinces allow the coaches the chance of analysing players during the Player Trials and during matches.”
In March this year, Mkhonza was also honoured as the Ekurhuleni Sports Administrator of the Year, with Banyana Banyana vice captain and defender Janine van Wyk named as the Ekurhuleni Sportswoman of the Year.
Sasol Sponsorship Specialist, Football, Dumisani Mbokane said: “Banyana Banyana have reached the pinnacle of four years of hard work, since Sasol became involved with the national team and backed the Sasol League. This further illustrates Sasol’s firm commitment towards women empowerment through sport which we view as a key element of nation building.”
Sasol’s committed approach played a major role in the company’s sponsorship being named as the winner of the ‘Best Use of PR in a Sports Campaign’ category at the Virgin Sports Industry Awards held in February this year.
“The Banyana Banyana players are now established role models to football fans throughout SA and indeed on the continent, and there is no doubt that if the talent of the current crop of players continues to be nurtured, to be supported by the arrival of several new, young stars, the national team has the potential of qualifying for major international events such as the Olympics and the FIFA women’s World Cup in the years ahead,” added Mbokane.