The spotlight on African women’s football has shifted to Southern Africa as the COSAFA qualifiers for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League get underway in Blantyre, Malawi.
With the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, having already secured their place in the tournament, eight teams from across the region will now battle it out for the remaining spot in Africa’s premier women’s club competition.
All eyes will be on the Mpira Stadium, where the qualifiers are scheduled to run from August 15 to August 24. The tournament promises to deliver high-octane action as some of Southern Africa’s best women’s teams compete for the coveted ticket to the continental showdown.
Group A: Heavyweights Collide
University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enters the tournament as a formidable force in South African football. The team has been a dominant player in the SAFA Women’s League, securing university championships in 2021 and 2023. Their participation in the COSAFA qualifiers marks a historic moment as they become the first South African university team to compete at this level. Despite their relative inexperience on the continental stage, UWC will be eager to make a strong impression.
Green Buffaloes (Zambia)
Zambia’s Green Buffaloes are one of the most decorated teams in the competition. With five national championships and a COSAFA Women’s Champions League title under their belt, they are widely regarded as favorites to advance. After missing out on the CAF Women’s Champions League last year, the Buffaloes are determined to reclaim their position among Africa’s elite.
Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe)
Making their debut in the COSAFA qualifiers, Herentals Queens have quickly risen to prominence in Zimbabwean football, winning consecutive national titles in 2023 and 2024. As they step onto the regional stage for the first time, Herentals will be looking to build on their domestic success and prove their mettle against more experienced opponents.
FC Ongos (Namibia)
Formerly known as TURA Magic, FC Ongos returns to the COSAFA qualifiers after a two-year absence. The Namibian champions have undergone a rebranding but remain a strong contender, particularly after securing the 2024 Namibian Championship. Ongos will be eager to make a deeper run in this year’s competition, improving on their early exit in 2021.
Group B: Newcomers and Veterans
Gaborone United (Botswana)
Gaborone United makes its first appearance in the COSAFA qualifiers, entering the tournament on the back of a successful domestic season. Led by coach William “Raizor” Monene, who previously guided Double Action Ladies to the finals, Gaborone United will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of their compatriots and make a significant impact in the tournament.
União Desportiva de Lichinga (Mozambique)
Representing Mozambique, União Desportiva de Lichinga makes its historic debut in the COSAFA qualifiers after clinching the national championship in December 2023. The team features several players from the Mozambique national team, including forwards Cina Manuel and Esmeralda Davide, who will be key to their success in the tournament.
Ascent Soccer Academy (Malawi)
Ascent Soccer Academy, based in Lilongwe, is a team built on youth development. Despite the young age of their squad, Ascent’s victory in the 2024 Senior Women’s National Championship earned them a place in these qualifiers. With the backing of home fans in Blantyre, the Malawian champions could be one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Young Buffaloes (Eswatini)
The Young Buffaloes from Eswatini are the most experienced team in Group B, participating in the COSAFA qualifiers for the third consecutive year. While they have yet to progress beyond the group stage, the Buffaloes are hopeful that this year will be different, aiming to at least reach the semi-finals.
What to Expect
The COSAFA qualifiers are set to be a fiercely contested tournament with teams from across Southern Africa vying for a spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. With a mix of established powerhouses and promising newcomers, the competition is wide open. The group stage will culminate in semi-finals on August 22, with the final showdown scheduled for August 24.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches, standout performances, and perhaps a few surprises, as the region’s top clubs compete for the honor of representing Southern Africa on the continental stage.
