Menstrual health: Africa looks to break ‘taboo’ in women’s football

Caf is hoping that club football, in particular its Women’s Champions League, can drive improvements across all parts of the female game.

The annual competition was first played in 2021, with regional events providing eight qualifiers, but currently there are no plans to expand the number of teams in the final stage.

“It provides a platform for female players to showcase their talent at the continental level, which in turn raises the profile of the sport in general,” said Goshime.

“It has opened doors for a lot of players to be scouted by European or even African teams.

“I think we sometimes don’t talk about it but we see a lot of movement now inside the continent.”

At this year’s edition, held last month, DR Congo’s TP Mazembe claimed their first title with a 1-0 win over former champions and hosts AS FAR of Morocco.

One issue was sparse attendances at fixtures in Casablanca and El Jadida, and Goshime admits there is “still a long way to go” in promoting women’s matches.

However, African players shining on the global stage are helping to sell the brand on the continent.

Zambia striker Barbra Banda is the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year and earlier this year her compatriot Racheal Kundananji became the world’s most expensive female player.

Both are stars in the high-profile National Women’s Soccer League in the USA and Goshime thinks such success can inspire a new generation.

“This is a testament to how African players are putting their impact in the global scale,” she said.

“I think it’s sent a message that you have a place in the football world.

“This is a very important message – you can be a global sensation if you play football.”

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