A reflection of women’s football in South Africa through the eyes of a former player

Gender equality has been bandied about a lot, but in a world where the topic is explored, does it all remain the same? The theme this year is, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality and the socials were ablaze, when International Women's Day was celebrated on the 8th of March 2023.

Football – despite the strides made, remains a man’s game and there is still so much growth that the game needs to undergo, and we as the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU), acknowledges this however, we also are fully aware that there is a shift happening for which we stand and applaud. “We want to see the women’s game evolve, and want to remain an integral part of the solutions and changes. As it grows I believe it does not remain the same because of the positive changes that are happening,” says Nhlanhla Shabalala – SAFPU Secretary General.

Gloria Brown, Football Commentator and former Banyana Banyana player, knows about the evolution of football for women. “The game has changed and we are seeing players apply themselves and realise that there is room to make the game a career unlike yester year.”

But her concern is Africa and the lack of positive intent driven at the girl child which Brown feels is not there. “We don’t have the numbers like the UK or the USA. They are almost in their millions. We need to drive school sports aggressively for mass participation – world wide the figure for women’s football stands at 29 million and FIFA wants 60 million by 2026 – on the continent there is still so much to be done,” says Brown.

And while she highlights the gaps, Brown remains optimistic by the changes, from when she played for the national team. “In South Africa we are a force, with the little we have we do a lot but, we need more financial backing, more organised leagues and competitions and to pit ourselves against the best, it’s the only way to grow. To challenge at World Cups as a national team is also good but look at our back bone, we need to stand tall and tackle what is at grass roots level too, to holistically change the face of the game for good here at home, a lot has changed since I was a player and it is refreshing to see but there’s an appetite for exponential growth, faster and sustainably – if we can get here we can definitely continue pushing for more.”

Shabalala echoes, Browns sentiments, “We wish women the world over a happy International Women’s Month, however here at home we know that the game is on the rise and much needs to be done to get the women’s game professional. We remain a stakeholder and supporter to the positive changes happening and will continue to pledge our support, to elevate the women’s game and take stock of players who have paved this path for women's football to be what it is today.”

A special salute to HollywoodBets for the undertaking of the women’s league as sponsor and for elevating the standard, and appeal as well as to showcase this growing sport in a way that many South African’s can be proud of.