Jessica Motaung pledges to champion women's football in Africa

She is underlining her commitment as the continent prepares for the rescheduled Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Originally slated to begin on 17 March, WAFCON was postponed to 25 July due to unforeseen circumstances, with Morocco retaining hosting duties as confirmed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

While the delay is disappointing, Motaung sees it as an opportunity to ensure the tournament is delivered with the same rigor and standards as men's competitions.

"It's unfortunate that the WAFCON has been postponed," Motaung said at the launch of Kaizer Chiefs' newly formed women's team.

"But these things happen, and now we have the chance to stage it in calm times and do it properly. It's so important that women's football is taken seriously, with competitions held to the same professional standards as the men's game."

Motaung's influence extends beyond club duties. She holds a position within CAF's women's football structures and is determined to use her role to champion initiatives that strengthen the game across the continent.

"Those are the things I will champion in the committee that I will sit in," she added, signalling her intent to shape policy and opportunities for women's football from within the governing body.

While African women's football waits for the continental showpiece, Motaung is also focusing on domestic development.

The Chiefs' women's team is set to begin it's campaign in the Sasol League, South Africa's second tier, with ambitions to secure promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, the country's women's top-flight competition.

Motaung's approach combines high-level advocacy with grassroots growth, reflecting a clear vision: elevate women's football in Africa so that it receives equal recognition, investment, and professionalism as the men's game. Her leadership could well define a new era for the sport on the continent.