Sports

African players to watch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2023

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20 is sure to produce some outstanding players who will either lead their teams to glory or stand out on their own as star performers.

The African continent will be represented by four teams as perennial participants. The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be joined by South Africa, Morocco and Zambia following the expansion of the tournament from 24 to 32 teams by FIFA, all hoping to break the quarter final jinx which was achieved by Nigeria.

Each of the four African teams has some players who will hope to turn up at the tournament both for their teams and for themselves.

Africa News Watch takes a look at the potential standout player in each of the African teams.

Nigeria – Asisat Oshoala

The Nigerian Super Falcons is blessed with the talented Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala, who has been a key figure both for club and country.

Oshoala has been in super form for Barcelona in recent years, scoring 20 goals and above in each of the past four seasons. She is unarguably the most impactful player in the Nigerian team at the moment, and for good reasons too. When she is in her element, she has the momentum to singlehandedly turn the tide of a game.

Oshoala burst onto the international scene in 2014 when she emerged top scorer and best player at the Under-20 World Cup, and since then, the former FC Robo of Lagos youngster has gone on to become one of the best players in Africa, winning the best female footballer award on five consecutive occasions.

She has also led Nigeria to three Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ending as player of the tournament at two of the tournaments.

On her day, Oshoala is a thorn in the flesh of opposing defenders, and her fellow citizens will be hoping she can turn it up at the world cup.

Zambia – Barbra Banda

Whatever Asisat Oshoala brings to the Super Falcons, Barbra Banda can equally bring to the Chipolopolo Queens.

Banda, who missed the 2022 WAFCON due to a gender eligibility row, bounced back to show her importance in the Zambian team with 10 goals in five games for Zambia.

The 23-year-old Banda is presently one of the most exciting football talents in Africa after initially announcing herself to the world in 2021 when she netted back-to-back hat-tricks at the Olympics, thus becoming the first player to do so in the history of the event.

The Zambian captain has all it takes to propel the team to greater heights with her frightening speed, dribbling skills and eye for goals.

With strike partner, Racheal Kundananji with whom she has formed a formidable partnership, Banda is set for the top at the women mundial.

South Africa – Refiloe Jane

In a team bubbling with technically gifted players, Refiloe Jane stands out as one to watch in the Banyana Banyana team as they head into the World Cup.

Jane, a deep-lying midfield grafter will be central to anything coach Desiree Ellis will achieve at the tournament as almost everything the team does passes through the Sassuolo of Italy playmaker.

Jane caught the eyes of the football world at the WAFCON in Morocco where she showed the stuff of a star player.

With a terrific passing range and ability to control the tempo of matches from deep, Jane allows the South African attacking line to flourish and play with ease.

She made her competitive debut at the 2012 Olympics and has featured for South Africa in every major tournament since, racking up over 100 caps.

Jane will also be in familiar territory as she sighed her first professional contract with W League side, Canberra United in 2019 before moving to Italy.

Morocco – Ghizlane Chebbak

Moroccan captain, Ghizlane Chebbak is one player who has the potential of standing out at the 2023 Women’s World Cup after she led Morocco to a historic run to the 2022 WAFCON final, and clinching a World Cup qualification in the process.

Pundits believe the Atlas Lionesses have what it takes to replicate the feat achieved by their male counterparts who became the first African country to reach the semi final of a World Cup in Qatar.

Chebbak was central to the team’s brilliant performance at the WAFCON where they went to the final before losing to South Africa.

The daughter of former men’s international, Larbi Chebbak who was a Cup of Nations winner in 1976, and now Atlas Lionesses captain, Ghizlane is the player to watch in the Moroccan team after ending the WAFCON as both joint top scorer and player of the tournament.

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Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.