Motsepe credits CAF participation for women's football growth

By Kate Nokwe
2nd May 2023

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopane Motsepe believes the club's participation in continental competitions has drastically improved the status of women's football in South Africa. Banyana Ba Style won the inaugural CAF Women's Champions League in 2021 before falling a game short a season later.

However, speaking to SABC Sport, Motsepe is adamant the team's presence on the rest of the continent has attracted adequate attention, which will ultimately benefit Banyana Banyana.

"Since we've been able to compete in continental football, the spotlight has been put on it in a different way. I think it's been able to inspire girls at different levels. Where we are, I think we can continue to improve there's always positive things to take away from the game.

"Every single year, we are seeing more and more sponsors look into the game and start to make sure that they want our presence here. As Mamelodi Sundowns we want to do our best to make sure that all of these young ladies have a chance to stick their hands up and be seen by the national coach," he said.

Motsepe also praises the Hollywoodbets Super League for its contribution to the growth. And says clubs like Royal AM and TS Galaxy, who are relatively new to the DStv premiership, but are investing in the women's league, should be commended.

"It's the whole of the Hollywoodbets League that has a contribution to play for women's football. So, I don't think enough credit gets given to those who want to start professional football clubs and those who are having professional women's teams.

"Obviously, the new entrance in the league, that have PSL teams and are now being part of it. It's exciting and we welcome more PSL teams to join the Hollywoodbets Super League."

Meanwhile, Motsepe, who took over as chairman from

his father Patrice in 2021, claims the club's structures are responsible for their success in producing the most Banyana players in recent times. Coach Desiree Ellis' usual starters include goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, midfielder Melinda Kgadiete, and striker Lelona Daweti all in Sundowns colours. And in 2021, the team signed defender Bambanani Mbane from Belarusian Premier League club Dinamo Minsk, as well as Lebogang Ramalepe, who left the same club in March.

He says they’ve provided the environment to attract such internationals.

"I think we must give credit to these international players. The fact that they go overseas, they learn their trade and then they know that they have a duty to come back to their country and they want to give back to the local game. That's essentially the ambition and the reasons for why they come."