Lydie Nsekera Honored By FIFA Ex-Co Role

Burundi FA president Lydia Nsekera has described her imminent place on Fifa's executive committee as "an honour to Africa".
The Fifa Congress is expected to ratify her appointment in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Friday.
Nsekera will then become the first female to serve on the executive committee in Fifa's 108-year history.
"It's an honour to Africa and an even greater honour to my country Burundi," she told BBC Sport.
 Just one of two women to have ever presided over an African football association, along with Liberia's Izetta Wesley, Nsekera has headed up the Burundian FA since 2004.
And she says the decision to co-opt a female onto Fifa's top decision-making committee is a major boost for the game.
"I am, first of all, very pleased that Fifa put a woman in its board of directors," she said.
"It's a very positive thing, especially for women fans of football."
The Burundian will serve until next year at least, with elections for a female representative to be held in 2013.
Nsekera is already a member of the organising committee for the Olympic football tournament and part of Fifa's women's football committee.
She also sits on the independent governance committee, which has been advising football's world governing body on how to improve its image.
In a separate development, Fifa is also expected to confirm South Sudan as its newest member on Friday.
The move has been accelerated by a proposed change, that delegates will vote on, which would mean that new associations need no longer be members of their own confederations for two years before joining Fifa.
South Sudan, who joined the Confederation of African Football in February, is set to become the first nation to benefit from the change - and will be Fifa's 209th member association.
bbc

Les Eléphants Dames sont prêtes

Clementine Toure-entraineur

Les Eléphants Dames sont prêtes pour affronter la sélection nationale féminine du Mozambique, le samedi 26 mai prochain au stade Robert Champroux de Marcory, en match aller du dernier tour des éliminatoires de la CAN 2012. L’entraîneur national, Clémentine Touré et la capitaine Gnago Jeanne l’ont exprimé de vive voix, à la FIF, lors de la traditionnelle conférence de presse d’avant match, ce mercredi 23 mai 2012 au siège de la Fédération Ivoirienne de Football.

« Nous travaillons régulièrement au Centre Technique de Football de Bingerville depuis mars. Nous avons 12 matches dans les jambes et nous pouvons affirmer que nous sommes prêtes pour affronter le Mozambique ». C’est en substance ce que l’on peut retenir de l’intervention de Clémentine Touré, l’entraîneur national de la sélection féminine.

A quelques heures de la rencontre Côte d’Ivoire-Mozambique dans le cadre du dernier tour des éliminatoires de la CAN 2012, Clémentine Touré a tenu à rassurer les sportifs ivoiriens que ses filles sont déterminées  à en découdre avec les Mozambicaines. « Les filles savent qu’elles sont à 180 minutes d’une phase finale de la Can. L’enjeu les motive. Alors, elles sont gonflées à bloc pour prendre une option sérieuse avec une victoire ici, en attendant le retour en terre Mozambicaine », a-t-elle martelé avant d’ajouter qu’elle n’a aucune idée de l’adversaire. « Nous ne savons rien de cette équipe. Mais, vu la volonté politique dont bénéficie les filles, elles ne viendront pas ici en victimes résignées. Alors nous avons travaillé en conséquence tant au plan technique, physique que tactique ».

Du côté des athlètes, c’est la capitaine Gnago Jeanne qui s’est chargée de traduire l’état d’esprit de ses coéquipières. « Nous avons le moral au beau fixe et nous sommes prêtes à battre les Mozambicaines pour assurer une partie de la qualification. Nous sommes toutes animées de la volonté de disputer notre première CAN », a-t-elle indiqué.
En un mot, les Eléphantes sont prêtes à barrir face aux Mambas du Mozambique ce samedi. Pour y arriver, elles comptent sur le soutien de la population ivoirienne.
L’entrée au stade est gracieusement offerte par la FIF aux sportifs afin qu’ils poussent les Eléphantes à la victoire. Pour montrer leur soutien sans faille  au football des dames, deux membres du Comité Exécutif de la FIF, M. Déhoulé Omer (Président de la Commission Centrale des Arbitres) et M. Gondo Pierre (Président de la Commission du Statut du joueur) ont pris part à la conférence de presse.
fif-ci
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ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The Elephants ladies are ready to face the women's national team of Mozambique, on Saturday May 26 at the stage of Robert Champroux Marcory, in the first legid round of qualifiers for the CAN 2012, Clementine Toure wanted to reassure athletes that his Ivorian girls are determined to do battle with the Mozambican."Girls know they are 180 minutes of the finals of the Can. The challenge motivates them. So they are inflated to block to make a serious option with a win here, pending the return to earth Mozambican " , she insisted before adding that she has no idea of the opponent. "We know anything about this team. But given the political will that has girls, they will not come here hapless victims. So we worked accordingly both technically, physically and tactically. "

As for athletes, it is the captain Gnago Jeanne who is responsible for translating the spirit of her teammates. "We have the morale high and we are ready to fight to ensure the Mozambican part of qualification. We are all motivated by a concern to play our first ADC, " she said.

In short, the trumpeting elephants are ready to face the Mambas of Mozambique on Saturday. To achieve this, they rely on the support of the Ivorian population.

The input stage is courtesy of the IFF for athletes so that they push the elephants to victory. To show their unwavering support for the football ladies, two members of the Executive Committee of the IFF, Mr. Omer Déhoulé (Chairman of the Central Commission of Referees) and Mr Peter Gondo (President of the Players' Status Committee) took part in the press conference.

Clémentine Touré, entraîneur des Eléphants dames lors de la conférence de presse de ce mercredi 23 mai à la FIF

"We Are Ready For South Africa"-Zambia

“We are ready for South Africa and we just want to assure the nation that we will do our very best to qualify. We don’t fear anyone because we have prepared well,” Zambia national women’s team coach Enala Simbeye Phiri has declared. Speaking to FAZ facebook and www.fazfootball.com Phiri said his girls were looking forward to Saturday.

“Let the people come in numbers and see a good game. It’s a good time for us and with the right application of what we have been doing in training, we shall get a good and positive result,” she said.
The Zambia women’s team, now popularly known as She-polopolo, play their South African counterparts Banyana Banyana in the first leg of the final round of qualification for the 2012 African Women championship. Football House announced on Tuesday that all gate charges had been waived and that entry would therefore be free for all. However the VIP will attract a charge of K50, 000.

The South African team is expected to arrive in Lusaka Thursday evening.
And the Football Association of Zambia is pleased with the show of support for the women’s national team by the government and spouses of senior government officials. We are particularly pleased with the latest call by the Ministers’ Spouses Association (MSA) for a massive turn out at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
We would therefore like to commend MSA chairperson Charlotte Scott, Republican Vice President’s wife, for her call to all fans and the general public to heed the call by FAZ to fill Nkoloma stadium on Saturday 26th May.

FAZ

Kylie-Ann Louw Awarded MVP and Female Player of the Year

Banyana Banyana midfielder Kylie-Ann Louw has been honoured as the Southland Conference League Female Athlete of the Year for a third consecutive season. Louw now holds the record for being the first player in history to win the award for the third successive year.
To add to her achievements, Louw scooped up two more awards – Soccer’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Athlete Scholar of the Year for excelling on the field as well as in the classroom.
Louw recently graduated from her institution, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the Stephan Austin State University in the United States of America where the skilled Banyana Banyana midfielder is based.

"Receiving the awards was very special seeing that I've worked so hard every day trying to balance my studies as well as my football career. I am especially excited to see that I am reaping the fruits of my hard work. It isn't easy to receive two top honorary awards at the university as you are competing against many other athletes in various sporting codes plus many of them are nationally ranked," said Louw.
Louw has also been called up for national team duty.
"It's always an honour to receive a national team call-up and I love representing my country. I want to contribute positively towards the national team’s preparations for the Olympics and I see every player has been working hard to make the final squad that will represent the country in London come July,” added Louw.

“I want add a level of energy and international experience that will boost the team’s confidence going forward."
Louw will head back to the United States to complete her Masters Degree in Science when the new school term resumes in September this year.
Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza has congratulated Kylie-Ann on her achievements.
"It is good to see that a national team player is doing so well abroad, this is contributing positively towards the spirit in the squad, which in turn augurs towards preparations for the AWC qualifiers as well as the London Olympics,” said Mkhonza.

“It's also inspiring to see that she has been taking her studies seriously as that is another thing we encourage in the national team because at the end of the day education is the corner-stone of a brighter future. I hope more players will be inspired by her achievements."
The Sports Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, 1 May 2012, while the graduation ceremony was held at the Stephan Austin State University in Texas on Saturday, 12 May.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad is at a training camp at the High Performance Centre in Potchefstroom.

In other news,the head  coach of the South African Senior Women's National team (Banyana Banyana) Joseph Mkhonza has named a strong 18-member squad that will travel to Zambia for the African Women’s Championship qualifier to be played on Saturday May 26th,2012 in Lusaka,Zambia. The return match will take place on June 16th. The venue however has not been confirmed.
Ghana will tackle their Cameroonian counterparts-The Lionesses in Accra on Saturday May 26th at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Banyana Banyana squad to take on Zambia No. Name & Surname Club
1 Thokozile Mndaweni UJ Ladies FC
2 Roxanne Barker Pepperdine University
3 Nothando Vilakazi Palace Super Falcon
4 Amanda Sister Liverpool Ladies FC
5 Janine van Wyk Palace Super Falcon
6 Zamandosi Cele Durban Ladies FC
7 Gabisile Hlumbane Kovsies
8 Lebogang Mabatle Halleluyah Zebra Force
9 Nocawe Skiti Cape Town Roses
10 Kylie-Ann Louw Stephen F Austin (USA)
11 Mary Ntsweng TUT Ladies FC
12 Robyn Moodaly High Performance Centre
15 Leandra Smeda Cape Town Roses
13 Amanda Dlamini (c) UJ Ladies FC
14 Noko Matlou UJ Ladies FC
16 Sanah Mollo Bloemfontein Celtics
17 Andisiwe Mgcoyi Sundowns Ladies
18 Portia Modise Palace Super Falcon

safa

South Africa Beats Tanzania 5-2 in International Friendly

Portia Modise marked her return to the Banyana Banyana side with a goal in each half as the South African Senior Women’s National Team outplayed Tanzania by five goals to two (5-2) in an international friendly played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, 20 May 2012.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will be satisfied with their performance, knowing that they could have scored more.

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza started the match with USA-based goalkeeper Roxanne Barker in goal, while also giving game time to Mary Ntsweng on the right wing, plus Refiloe Jane – usually used as a right back – operating in the centre of midfield next to skipper Amanda Dlamini.
“We wanted to give all of our players some game time and not just have substitutes watching from the bench,” said Mkhonza before the match.

Back in the national team after a three-year absence, former captain Modise made the most of her 88th appearance for Banyana Banyana, scoring a soft tap-in goal in the 25th minute. This was after Tanzania goalkeeper Fatma Omar fumbled the ball to the feet of the Palace Super Falcons (Sasol League Gauteng) striker – marking the 67th goal of Modise’s international career.

Two minutes into the second half, Banyana Banyana doubled their lead with Modise, nicknamed ‘Bashin’ after Orlando Pirates legend Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu, heading home from a corner kick, giving Tanzania substitute goalkeeper Maimuna Said no chance of pulling off a save.
Said was nearly beaten again eight minutes later when skipper Dlamini unleashed a powerful shot from 25 metres out only to see the ball return to play off the Tanzanian crossbar.
To their credit, the hosts never gave up trying and Fatuma Bashiri scored from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Janine van Wyk was adjudged to have committed a foul against the Tanzanian attacker. A slight remonstration with the referee Judith Gamba earned the tough-tackling South African central defender a yellow card.

Sanah Mollo will remember the match for a long time too. Having been introduced as a second half substitute, the Bloemfontein Celtics (Sasol League Free State) striker was a part of the action for just five minutes when a stretched, under pressure home team defence failed to clear properly and the forward fired home in the 75th minute.
No sooner had Tanzania captain Asha Rashid fired home after some poor Banyana Banyana defending to reduce the score to 3-2, Mollo returned the favour at the other end, blasting home from 10 metres out.
Van Wyk made up for her earlier infringement by scoring the final goal of the afternoon, to blunt out any hopes the hosts had of a late comeback.
South Africa’s head coach was elated with the performance of the national team and believes the time and effort put into training benefitted them as they look to take on Zambia in a couple of days.

"The girls have done the nation proud, we put up a good fight against the Tanzanians on their home turf, in front of a very supportive home crowd. We created plenty of goal scoring opportunities in the first half but only managed to score one goal. With the upcoming training camps this will be one of the areas we will address," said Mkhonza.

"Following the half time talk with the team, we were then able hold our own and scored the four goals in the second stanza. I am however disappointed that the team lost focus in the remaining fifteen minutes of the match, I think the five-two lead got to their heads and we broke down towards the end. We must work on keeping our focus throughout the entire ninety minutes of a game."

While Banyana Banyana were using the fixture as part of their build-up to next week’s African Women Championship first leg qualifier against Zambia, and the bigger picture of the London Olympics, the home side (Tanzania) was struggling to step up a gear after beating Namibia 5-2 at the same venue recently.

The Tanzanians, known as the Twiga Stars, will travel north to play Ethiopia in the African Women Championship qualifier next weekend.
Tanzania occupies 125th spot on the FIFA world rankings compared to the 65th placing of Banyana Banyana. Banyana Banyana take on Zambia at the Nkloma Stadium,Lusaka  on the 26th of May.

Zimbabwe Women's Football Super League Set For Kick-off

The Zimbabwe Women's Football Super League which will be wholly sponsored by Marange Resources will now commence on June 2 with 10 teams participating. The league will be running for the second year after its inception last year and this year all the clubs would have fewer financial challenges as the sponsorship will cater for the direct costs involved in running of the league.

The club chairpersons met Marange officials for a briefing last week in the capital, where the whole package was unveiled, with the sponsors tabling the expense they would meet.
Harare sides Black Rhinos, Cyclone, Flame Lily and Mufakose, Bulawayo sides Inline Academy and New Orleans, Chipembere from Gweru, Faith Drive from Mutare and Guruve-based Conduit Soccer Academy will battle it out.

Yesterday, Zimbabwe Women's Football administrator Theresa Maguraushe said all is set for the start of the league and all the clubs are looking forward to an exciting season.
"It was a meeting between Marange and all the club representatives. The sponsors are going to cater for transport for away teams, accommodation and meals.
"They are also going to provide two playing kits, a home and away strip, for every team as well as ten match balls for each team. The sponsor will also cater for the match officials' fees and travelling expenses. And they have already paid for the production of player licenses," said Maguraushe.

Marange have declined to divulge the total sponsorship package and the prize money for the winning club and runners up.All the clubs are also going to benefit from their participation in the league.
There are also individual awards for the players -Goalkeeper of the Year, Most Disciplined Player, Rookie of the Year, Golden Boot and the Most Disciplined Team.

The administrator added that all the clubs pledged to be professional and will guard jealously the Marange sponsorship- which is the first of its kind in women's football.
"The club officials had a face-to-face with the sponsor and expressed their gratitude for having such a sponsorship and promised that they would abide by the rules and regulations of the league.
"Last year there were a few hiccups because the clubs were struggling to remain viable. But there won't be problems with fulfilling matches this season.
"We expect the league to run on a weekly basis and we have factored in important assignments like the National Youth Games and national team assignments and the league will break for these tournaments," said Maguraushe.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe senior women's soccer team, the Mighty Warriors, have been boosted by the return of veteran defender Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri from a three-month trial stint at Swedish club Kalmar.
Mighty Warriors assistant coach Yohane Chikaola said the left back is expected to arrive today and join her teammates in camp.
"We don't know whether she has made the grade at the club but we are happy to have her for this crucial match and it is a boost for us. We need to be at our best when we face Nigeria and the girls have been working really hard.
"Rufaro (Machingura), who was on the injury list, has started training while Rudo (Neshamba), who missed the friendly match against Tanzania, is also back at training," said Chikaola.

The Cyclone Queens coach said the veteran pair of Precious "Gringo" Mpala and Pretty Phiri - who have also been called into the squad - are in good shape.
"They have been working with our fitness trainer and he is the one doing the assessment on their fitness. They are in great shape and have added competition to the team. We played SR Villa on Sunday and tomorrow we will play our last warm up match against Sprouting Club. Since we returned from Tanzania we have been working on conditioning with Gerald Maguranyanga as we need to be really fit when we face Nigeria.

"We began tactical training this morning and come Sunday we should be ready for Nigeria. We know their profile but we believe to be the best we have to beat the best," said Chikaola.

By Grace Chingoma

Ghana and Nigeria Qualify for Japan 2012 FIFA Women's World Cup

After a preliminary round and three qualifying rounds held between October 2011 and May 2012, Ghana and Nigeria  have qualified to represent CAF at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Ghana beat Tunisia on a 7-2 goal aggregate whiles Nigeria secured their place at the final when they beat DR Congo's Lionesses on a 7-0 goal aggregate.Both  nation's emulated their U-17 counterparts who booked their places at the 2012 U17 women's world cup to be held in Azerbaijan.

The stage is now set for the U20 FIFA world cup,Japan 2012 with the top four AFC slots  filled by Japan(host nation), Korea DPR, China PR and Korea Republic.

UEFA's top 4 representitives are  Germany, Italy, Norway and Switzerland. Representing CONCACAF are  top 3  nations, Canada,USA and Mexico. CONMEBOL  representatives are Brazil and Argentina and representing the OFC-New Zealand.  The competition kicks off  on August 19th and ends on September 8th,2012.

Isha Johansen in race to be Sierra Leone FA president

Isha Johansen

Isha Johansen says Sierra Leone football is in "a terrible state" and is determined to be the next president of the country's football association to make the necessary changes.

The 47-year old has already founded her own Sierra Leone Premier League club, FC Johansen.
She is also well known for her work with youth football in Sierra Leone.

She is the first candidate to officially declare her intention to run for president in July's SLFA elections.
Johansen says she has taken her inspiration from the current president of the Burundi Football Federation, Lydia Nsekera, and Izetta Wesley - the former head of the Liberian FA.
"Nsekera is doing a good job in Burundi and I'm following her footsteps. I'm planning to contact her and Wesley to learn from them," Johansen told BBC Sport.

She believes that she is in the best position to bring about a change in Sierra Leone football.
"The SLFA is in a terrible state and I want to make a change," she declared.
 "I believe I'm in the best position to bring about the change. I'll bring integrity, sanity & discipline into the SLFA."

Johansen is not daunted by the fact she is set to be the first ever female candidate for the SLFA presidency.
"There are two types of people in this world - those who make history, and those who are part of making history," she said.
"If the delegates were to endorse and believe in me, they would be part of changing the face and the fate of football in Sierra Leone.
"My contributions to Sierra Leone football are immense, I've exposed talents and also helped in the re-branding of Sierra Leone in the world."

She is expected to face a tough challenge, with seasoned football administrators Rodney Michael, Alhaji Mohamed Nabie and former international Brima 'Mazola' Kamara all set run for the post too.
Johansen has a public relations background and became involved in football administration when she formed her club FC Johansen in 2004.

She rose to prominence in Sierra Leone football due to the successes of her club in international youth competitions over the last four years.
FC Johansen won the Swiss Under-16 Cup last year, defeating Liverpool in the final and winning the Mitnordick Cup in Sweden in 2009.
She also organised two youth tournaments in Freetown in 2009 and 2010 featuring teams from Africa, Brazil and Norway.

By Mohamed Fajah Barrie BBC Sport, Freetown

Stella,Abobo,Divo and Ebimpe Promoted to Ivorian Women's Division 1

Le Stella Club d’Adjamé, l’Entente Sportive d’Abobo, Djidjé Football Club de Divo et Colombe d’Ebimpé joueront pour la première fois dans l’élite du football féminin ivoirien à partir de cette saison 2012. Ces quatre formations ont obtenu leur ticket le dimanche 13 mai à l’issue d’un mini championnat qui a regroupé sept clubs au Centre Technique National de Bingerville.

Par la volonté de la Fédération Ivoirienne de Football, le championnat national féminin sera riche de dix équipes cette saison 2012. Quatre nouvelles formations ont fait leur entrée depuis dimanche. Parmi elles, une vient de l’Intérieur du pays (Djidjé FC Divo), une de la banlieue abidjanaise (Colombe d’Ebimpé) et deux autres d’ Abidjan (Stella Club d’Adjamé, ES Abobo).

Ces nouvelles promues ont été très entreprenantes pendant le mini championnat qui a eu lieu samedi et dimanche au CTNF de Bingerville. Les supporters qui se sont déplacés en grand nombre ont eu droit à un tournoi relevé. Les filles du Stella et celles de Divo ont eu la palme des meilleures équipes de cette compétition.

Le nouveau Directeur Technique National (DTN), N’Guessan Clément, n’a pas caché sa satisfaction à l’issue du tournoi. «Je pense que le niveau du jeu a été assez bon. Les filles ont produit du beau jeu. Cela est un indice intéressant pour l’avenir du football féminin» a-t-il fait savoir avant d’indiquer qu’il serait aussi bon que la FIF maintienne les équipes malheureuses dans un championnat de division 2.

Le petit point « noir » de ce rendez-vous, c’est la défection des Amazones de Yokoboué et le forfait d’AOM de Sikensi. Après deux matches disputés, les filles venues de Yokoboué avaient la possibilité de se qualifier. Malheureusement, leurs dirigeants ont choisi de se retirer. Tout simplement. Quant à l’équipe de Sikensi, elle n’a pas daigné se présenter à Bingerville alors qu’elle s’était inscrite.

A noter que le Premier vice-président de la FIF, Sory Diabaté, et la Présidente de la Commission du Football Féminin, Berthe Adou, étaient à Bingerville pour encourager les organisateurs et les différentes équipes participantes.

Ives TIEMELE 

Résultats et classement du mini championnat
Samedi 12 mai 2012 au CTNF de Bingerville
Stella Club d’Adjamé/ES Abobo : 3-0
AOM Sikensi/Amazone Yokoboue : 0-3 (Forfait de Sikensi)
Bouaké UC/Colombe d’Ebimpé : 0-1
Djidjé FC Divo/US Marcory : 5-3
Stella Club d’Adjamé/AOM Sikensi: (Forfait de Sikensi)
ES Abobo/Amazones Yokoboué: 3-0
Dimanche 13 mai 2012 au CTNF de Bingerville
Bouaké UC/Djidjé FC Divo: 1-3
Colombe d’Ebimpé/US Marcory : 3-1
Amazones Yokoboué/Stella Club : (Forfait de Amazones Yokoboué)
AOM Sikensi/ES Abobo: 0-3 (Forfait de Sikensi)
US Marcory/Bouaké UC: 2-1
Djidjé FC Divo/Colombe d’Ebimpé: 0-2
Classement
Poule A
1er-Stella Club 9 pts
2è-As Abobo 6 pts
3è-Amazone Yokoboué 3 pts
4è-AOM Sikensi 0 pt
Poule B
1er-Djidjé FC Divo 9 pts
2è-Colombe d’Ebimpé 6 pts
3è-US Marcory 3 pts
4è-Bouaké UC 0 pt

fif-ci

Banyana Banyana Look To Iron Out Errors Ahead Of Olympics

Banyana Banyana look to iron out errors ahead of the Olympics
The South African Senior Women's National Team (Banyana Banyana) is set to focus on ironing out technical and tactical errors as they prepare for the African Women's Championship qualifiers scheduled to take place later this month.

Teenage central defender Meagan Newman has been called up to train with the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad at the national training camp which commenced in Potchefstroom on Thursday, 10 May 2012.
“Right now, I am more nervous than excited knowing that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to train with such a bunch of experienced Banyana Banyana players at the national training camp in Potchefstroom,” said the 17-year-old Newman, who has been capped 7 times for the national Under 20 side.
“But I am sure I will settle down when I put my boots on and am out on the training pitch.”
Newman will not be the only 17 year-old at the national camp.
Midfielder Robyn Moodaly, who is also at the High Performance Centre and has scored once during her 10 appearances for the national team, returns to the Banyana Banyana squad for the first time in 2012. She represented the South African Under 20 side earlier this year.

Newman’s call-up falls in line with the vision of Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza.
“The national team to represent South Africa at the Olympics has not been selected yet, as we are keeping the door open right until the last moment, in order to ensure that we don’t overlook any talent that can add value to our campaign in London,”
“I am delighted to have Moodaly back as she played a key role during the national team’s Olympic qualifying campaign last year. Over the past few weeks we have called up several young players as we look to build a solid reservoir of talent for the future. The national training camp platform is there for the players to use as best they can”said Mkhonza.
Meanwhile, USA-based goalkeeper Roxanne Barker has arrived in the country and will join her Banyana Banyana team-mates in camp in Potchefstroom. The Pepperdine University-based third year Biology student will be hard at work to convince the coaches that she should occupy one of the three goalkeeper positions among the 18 players set to represent South Africa at the Olympics.
The other goalkeepers in the national squad are experienced first choice Thoko Mndaweni and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Sasol League Gauteng) goal-minder Andile Dlamini, who also played for the national Under 20 side this year.

Due to club commitments, experienced midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni will not be joining her compatriots in camp, but she will be available for the Banyana Banyana clash against Zambia in the African Women Championship first leg qualifier in Lusaka on 26 May.

Mkhonza’s other overseas-based midfielder Kylie Ann Louw will attend her graduation ceremony at the Stephen Austin University in Texas, USA, before joining her team-mates on Friday 18, May 2012.
Joseph Mkhonza, head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana said he is concentrating all his efforts on finding the perfect combinations as the players resume with preparations at the High Performance Sports Institute at the Potchefstroom University.

Mkhonza will be without the services of Mamello Makhabane who has been pulled out of camp due to a recurring injury she sustained during the Olympic qualifiers. Makhabane will follow a rehabilitation programme but her absence will be felt as she was a key player who assisted the national team achieve the dream of qualifying for the London Olympics.

“It's a knock that Mamello has had to withdraw from the squad as she played an essential part in helping the team qualify for the Olympics. She was one of the rocks of this team, but I am almost certain that with the depth we have in the squad, we will fill her position for the time being, and I want to say that the door is still open should she recover on time. For now all we can do is wish her a speedy recovery,” said Mkhonza.
USA-based goalkeeper Roxanne Barker has already joined her compatriots at the training camp in Potchefstroom.

The Banyana Banyana squad is still waiting upon Texas-based Kylie-Ann Louw who is expected back in SA on Friday, 18 May, due to a graduation ceremony she has to attend at her University.
Mkhonza is aware they have little time to attend to areas that need special attention ahead of the Olympics but believes they will be ready come competition time.

"We have come a long way with our preparations for London. We now need to focus our attention on tactical and ball skills in front of goals. We know that time is not on our side, so we have to be thorough with our final preparations between now and the end of July. But we are optimistic we will get everything right before we leave for the Olympics because the technical team and the players are working hard to realise this London dream," said Mkhonza.
safa.net
 

Bringing The Stars Closer To The Fans-ALIMA MORO

Women's Soccer Africa brings it's avid readers,fans,African women's soccer enthusiasts and players another installment of our interview with the stars and budding stars of African women's football. 

CF Trevignano's Alima Moro



WSA had a hearty conversation with the only Ghanaian female goalkeeper playing professionally in Italy- Alima Moro.The shy 25 year old goal tender standing at 1.79m tall and currently the first choice goalie of Italian women's Serie A club CF Trevignano in Treviso drew her fans across the world a little bit closer to what goes on in her career and life in Treviso with this interview.

WSA: First of all Alima Moro,thank you for affording us this interview.

AM: The pleasure is all mine.

WAS:Can you tell us a little bit about how it all begun,your journey as a footballer?

AM: My Interest in sports begun when I was a little girl growing up in Bolgatanga a town in the Upper East region of Ghana,you know,I actually started out in secondary school playing two sports,football and athletics,but football was my first love.I was a discus and javelin thrower and i broke a few records in secondary school.At the regional inter-schools level i  won a silver medal in discus.At the national level i was the second best in the Javelin throw.

WSA: What drove you to  football and into goal keeping in particular ?

AM: I loved the game so much and I believe the authorities at that time saw something in me and so they went on to mention me to the experts in the capital- Accra,who later came to watch me.I later went to Accra to begin my career as a goalkeeper.

WSA:You currently play for CF Trevignano,how has playing for them impacted your carreer ?

AM:I have grown a lot as a goalkeeper since i moved to Italy.Having played in serie C,B and A.My current club has been so good to me and i respect them for that. They have supported me in every way and i am paying them back with my current form.I am the first choice keeper here and we are doing very well in the league.I have played regularly either in friendlies or league matches. So far I have played in 30 matches we've won 26 matches drawn 2 and lost 2 with 18 goals conceded. We have 2 matches more to the end of the season. We are currently second on the league table with just 1 point difference between us and the top spot. My performavce this season has been great and i credit it all to God,my trainers and my  team mates.My club has so much faith in me and i appreciate it very much.

WSA:How will you rate the level of the Feminile Calcio on a scale of 1 to 10 ?

AM: I will not say the Feminile Calcio is the best women's league in Europe but it's of a good standard.On a scale of 1-10 may be a 7

WSA: How many clubs have you played for since you landed in Italy ?

AM : 4. I played for A.S.D.LIGHI in serie A,MAROSTICA 99 in serie C, and CALCIO FEMMINILE VICENZA IN SERIE A  then CF Trevigngano my current club.

WSA : As a Ghanaian plying your trade in Italy,I believe there may be times when you do you feel home sick. What do you do to occupy yourself when you are not playing soccer ?

AM: I listen to music or talk to my friends and family.

WSA: What are some of the difficulties  you face (if any) as a female goalkeeper in Italy ?

AM:  I will say, playing for so many teams without coaches giving me playing time, you can imagine that bad moment in your career as a player.It was frustrating and difficult at the time but i'll say my patience and faith saw me through.Even though i wasn't happy I think i always looked at the situation as a blessing in disguise. Another problem i had in the early stages of my career here in Italy was the language. As a goalkeeper you need to communicate with your defenders at all times but I couldn't speak italian so it was tough communicating with my team mates. Thank God i now speak Italian and i communicate flawlessly with my team mates.

WSA: What is your source of motivation ?

AM: First of all,not forgeting where i come from and how far i have come, i strive to be the best and i work very hard at what i do. To be the first choice keeper of my team and to be mentioned as one of the best goalkeepers in our league and to be representing my continent-Africa and my country Ghana,motivates me even more to work my hardest.


WSA:So let's say it's Friday, you have a game on Saturday,tell us how you personally  prepare for the up coming game ?

AM: I always pray for strength and protection through out my training session and i shut out any thoughts which may hinder my concentration.I always maintain my focus on the up coming game.My mental and physical presence is my focus too.

WSA: Many soccer players are superstitious.Are you and If you are tell us about it ?

AM: I'm not superstitious at all.(laughs)All i believe in is God and nothing else.

WSA:Do you follow any of the Serie A clubs and which one is it ?

AM: Inter Milan is my favorite.I like everything Inter Milan.

WSA: Who do you look up to as a player or who do you admire most in football ?

AM: Gigi Buffon is my favorite player. He is a great goalkeeper.

WSA: What are some of the  goals you have set for your self as a player ?

AM: To be the very best and to play in goal for my country.Right now my main goal is to win the league title with CF Trevignano.

WSA:What will  you consider as a disappointment in your career ?

AM: For me to be professional player and a first choice keeper for my club and not play for my country saddens my heart.All the same God knows best.

WSA:I hope you wont mind giving as a glimpse into your private life by telling us who that special guy is in your life ?( are you married or single)

AM:I will not like to talk about my private life, but i have a special man in my life.(laughs)

WSA:You were called up for international duty a while back but you were not included in the recent call-ups. Were you disappointed and has that had any impact on you as a person and on your career ?

AM: Well,like i said before,it's disheartening but it really hasn't got any impact on my career. I work hard everyday at training and as a person i don't let such situations faze me. God knows best,whatever comes my way whether good or bad i take it in my stride and move on.

WSA:What will be your next career move when your playing days are over ?

AM: I think it's too early to be talking about the end of my career. Right now i'm focused on playing for Trevignano.I am still young and with more years ahead of me. If God wills i want to play for a very long time may we can talk about this in future.

WSA:What advice would you give to the young girls who look up to you and What should your fans expect from you in the future  ?

AM:To the young girls out there,my advice to you is this- never rest on your oars,work hard be disciplined and take your training seriously and do not believe  when told that you can't make it at whatever career you choose to pursue.Always reach for the skies. And to my fans,CF Trevignano can win this league title and with you supporting us it is possible.I am looking forward to celebrating with you in grand style.



WSA:  Your fans will definitely be looking forward to celebrating with you. Your final word ?


AM:I want to say a big thank you to all my coaches who had faith in me and to my team mates and fans everywhere,I love you .I am very grateful to you all especially to Women's Soccer Africa for this opportunity,God bless you all.

WSA: Thanks  so much Alima, for your time. We wish you all the best .

North African Women Footballers Train To Become Coaches

More than 40 women football players from Morocco, Libya and Tunisia took part in a recent training clinic designed to give them the skills needed to become coaches.
The April 24th-27th event in Salé was organised by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the Filles Al Amal Assalaoui Association and the US Embassy in Rabat.

It brought in United States women's national team Assistant Coach Lesle Gallimore, midfielder Angela Hucles and defender Marian Dalmy to lead clinics on technical football skills and the psychology of coaching.
The "Sports Envoy Programme" seeks to train coaches so that they can pass on their knowledge and love for the game to younger generations, thus empowering them as they come together in friendly competition.

"The exchange of international experience in the field of football helps to enrich the local talent," said Moroccan national team technical director Jean-Pierre Morlans. "The most important thing remains that these young women can pass what they learned here on to other young women."

Bahia El Yahyaoui, the head of the Filles Al Amal Assalaoui organisation, said that the clinic would help "female football players find job opportunities as coaches, assistant coaches or officials in the field of sports".
"This training is a positive thing and motivates female football players," agreed former Moroccan national team star Aziz Bouderbala.

"Our goal is to help and inspire young women by empowering them to be who they want," explained US ambassador to Morocco Samuel Kaplan. He said that the partnership "exceeded" his expectations. He also acknowledged that the values learned at the event extended well beyond the realm of sports.
US coach Lesle Gallimore was also pleased with the outcome of the training.

"We were surprised by the capabilities of the young participants," Gallimore told Magharebia. "The course was productive, at a time when these young women understand their field of activity well and have the will to acquire an advanced level of mental and physical capacity," she said.

"I think they will be successful in the future," Gallimore added.
Fadoua Chernan, one of the trainees, said that the clinic was the perfect atmosphere to learn coaching. She expressed gratitude for all the support from the partner organisations and for her family who supported her decision to "play on a field that was mostly reserved for men".
Meanwhile, Libyan player Racha Nouri said that she was ready to get started.
After learning so much at the clinic, she said she was more prepared for the "transition from a current football player to a future coach after retiring". She added she learned some good strategies on "how to deal with the kids" as a coach.
"I think the level of women's football in the Maghreb is good," she said, "but we want to lift that up to a global level."
In order to do that, she explained that "you must change the mind-sets that make football a field only for men".

By Naoufel Cherkaoui

2012 African Women's Championship Qualifier Schedule

Fixtures of qualifiers for the 2012 African Womens' Championship in Equatorial Guinea.

Super Falcons of Nigeria

 Holders: Nigeria

Qualified Nations: Equatorial Guinea (hosts), DR Congo

Second Round:
25-27/05/12: Ethiopia v Tanzania

15-17/06/12: Tanzania v Ethiopia
25-27/05/12: Ivory Coast v Mozambique

15-17/06/12: Mozambique v Ivory Coast
25-27/05/12: Zambia v South Africa

15-17/06/12: South Africa v Zambia
25-27/05/12: Morocco v Senegal

15-17/06/12: Senegal v Burundi
25-27/05/12: Zimbabwe v Nigeria

15-17/06/12: Nigeria v Zimbabwe
25-27/05/12: DR Congo c-c Equatorial Guinea

DR Congo advance as Equatorial Guinea named as hosts

25-27/05/12: Ghana v Cameroon
15-17/06/12: Cameroon v Ghana

FIFA Announces Venues For Women's World Cup 2015

The Women's World Cup doesn't kick off in Canada for another three years but FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the tournament is already proof that the investment in women's soccer has paid off.


More teams than ever before will compete in the 2015 World Cup, with the tournament set to expand to 24 countries from 16 and to 52 matches from 32 to 52.


“One day in 1995, when we organized the second women's World Cup ... I have taken a risk. And I have said the future of football is feminine,” Blatter said Friday on Parliament Hill.


“It was a risk. But (a person) who never takes a risk will never have a chance. ... It will be a great, great World Cup. It is more than has ever been presented on international scenery here in Canada.”


He couldn't help himself from throwing a small jab at a long-time sporting rival.


“Including, I would say, the Olympic Games.”


The World Cup, which will kick off in June 2015, is the largest single sporting event for women.


The six tournament host cities are Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Moncton, N.B.


Toronto did not apply to host, opting instead to focus on the 2015 Pan American Games.


World Cup games will be played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, B.C. Place in Vancouver, Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Moncton Stadium, the football stadium under construction in Winnipeg, and the revamped Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.


“Canada's rich and diverse cultural composition will ensure that every national squad will feel welcome in Canada with packed stadiums representing our multicultural mosaic,” said Canadian Soccer Association president Dominique Maestracci, who is running for re-election Saturday.


Veteran goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc presented Blatter with a Canadian scarf, and she and teammate Rhian Wilkinson met and posed for pictures with the FIFA boss and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.


The federal government has committed up to $15-million to the tournament. That will not be used for infrastructure.


Canada will also the host the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which will serve as a test event. Canada hosted the inaugural U-20 event in 2002.


Canada was also home to the 2007 men's U-20 World Cup and the 1987 U-16 World Cup.





The Canadian Press

Zimbabwe Beats Zambia in International Friendly

Zimbabwe's Mighty Warriors

Saturday's international friendly encounter between Zimbabwe's Mighty Warriors and the She-Polo-Polo of Zambia did not fail to thrill the fans who trooped to the Colliery Stadium in Hwange,Zambia.The game kicked off with the Zambians showing their intent of revenging their loss to Zimbabwe.

The Mighty Warriors had to come from behind after Zambia Esta Banda had shot the visitors into the lead 15 minutes into the game.

Zimbabwe then leveled affairs in the 46th minute thanks to a penalty conversion by Tsitsi Maroisi.

Zimbabwe made it 2-1 up in the 56 minute after a Rutendo Makore strike before the Mighty Warriors completed their rout with an 83 minute goal from Mairosi.
The game forms part of Zimbabwe and Zambia's   warm-up for their 2012 African Women's Championship qualifiers against The Super Falcons of Nigeria and Banyana-Banyana of South Africa respectively coming up in May.