Mlauzi salutes CAF women football initiatives

FORMER Mighty Warriors coach, Shadreck Mlauzi, has pledged support for Nobuhle Majika who was appointed Bulawayo Chiefs women’s team coach.

Mlauzi believes the strides being made by CAF in women’s football are beginning to open doors for the girl child and will boost African football.

From next year, CAF will only allow teams which have female clubs in their stable to take part in the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

And, local teams who dream of being champions to play in the African Safari, have started to seriously invest in women’s football.

This is opening doors for both players, and coaches as top- flight teams come up with women’s sides.

Bulawayo Chiefs have appointed Evans Netha and Majika as the coaches of their women’s team.

They join Black Rhinos, Harare City, Ngezi Platinum, Highlanders and Yadah who have women sides in their stables.

Some of the big clubs are going to get the ball into motion soon with FC Platinum, CAPS United and Dynamos set to come up with their women teams.

Mlauzi groomed Majika and Mighty Warriors forward Rudo Neshamba, at Inline Academy.

The duo became key players for the Mighty Warriors, and made history, to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, under the guidance of Mlauzi.

“It shows one has a clear path, after retiring from football,’’ said Mlauzi.

“There is a clear path, and signs of grooming, which began from the early stages, which speaks volumes of the system.

“We are going to assist her.

“I am always happy to, at least, have imparted knowledge, and empowered them with leadership positions, which they in turn, now use in life.

“This shows that the Mighty Warriors captaincy was deserving and I hope she will use all the experience, as she takes charge of a team’s dressing room.’’

Mlauzi believes the strides being taken by CAF and FIFA will help women’s football to grow, on the continent.

“As few men involved in women’s sport, we are happy that women are coming out and taking leading positions, in their specialised area.

“We will continue to assist them, and the CAF framework is really good, and will boost the game, it’s what has been missing.

“Organisations, like UEFA, have gone miles ahead, in terms of women’s football.

“So, at the end of the day, CAF are trying complement FIFA’s efforts, by also making their own initiatives, which will ensure the women’s teams are well resourced.

“For example, if you look at the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, they have been in existence for some time, and were doing well, and it was not surprising that they won the slot to participate at the inaugural CAF Champions League.’’

The South African champions will meet reigning Nigeria Women Premier League champions Rivers Angels, ASFAR Club of Morocco and Kenya’s Vihiga Queens, in Group B.

Group A has host Wadi Degla of Egypt, Malian side AS Mande, Equatorial Guinea champions Malabo Kings, and Ghanaians, Hasaacas Ladies.

The eight teams will battle it out in the first edition, in Cairo, early next month.