by Agnes Amondi
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), during its Executive Committee on Tuesday, endorsed the plan to create a continental clubs competition for female footballers, the Women’s Champions League.
Stakeholders now wait for further information on how the tournament will be organised: the format, calendar dates, number of teams involved, qualification process, host country amongst other key logistics.
Vihiga Queens head coach Alex Alumira whose club has won the last three premier league titles welcomed the decision.
“I’m very happy about that. We have really longed for such an opportunity. To get our girls competing outside the borders with clubs from other countries. It is a great step in raising the standards of the game here and also around the continent.” Alumirah said.
“This will offer a bigger platform to players to market themselves.”
He was however coy to reveal how the new competition might change his teams’ outlook and preparation.
“It won’t change much but we are yet to know if indeed it will involve us or someone else. We have to be patient and see the format and rules CAF will put forward.”
Gaspo Women team manager Edward Githua embraced the move. He opined that this will be a game changer for the women’s game across the continent.
“For sure it will be a game changer. It will raise the level of competition locally and across board as clubs fight to get qualification slots. It will be tougher henceforth.”
“As for my club Gaspo, we will have to raise the levels of our overall performance on and off the field. As it has been, when everyone executes their role, everything falls into place so it our concerted efforts that will make us compete at the highest level.”