COSAFA is championing the rise of women leaders in football, having recently hosted the fifth edition of its Women’s Leadership Programme, a flagship initiative that sparks leadership excellence and drives the professional growth of women’s football throughout Southern Africa.
The programme, which runs from 30 July to 5 November 2025, brings together over 40 women leaders from 13 Member Associations, representing roles in administration, governance, coaching, communication, finance, and safeguarding. There are 14 weekly sessions with each linked to one or more pillars of the FIFA Women’s Football Strategy.
The WLP aims to strengthen leadership capacity within Member Associations and to ensure that more women occupy positions of influence both on and off the field. It reflects COSAFA’s long-term investment in empowering women to shape the future of football in the region.
During the opening session, Dame Sarai Paea-Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, congratulated participants and said it is of utmost importance that women are in all roles in football.
“Our mission is clear: More women in football, everywhere. On the field, in boardrooms, technical areas, and top administrative positions.”
FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Paea-Bareman
“To every woman taking part in this programme – I see you, I believe in you, and my team and I are here to support you,” said Dame Sarai Paea-Bareman. “Lift others as you climb, and keep leading in your own way.”
The programme this year covers a wide range of themes that look at ways to develop confident, capable leaders who can drive sustainable growth.
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Topics include personal leadership and strengths development, contextual analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, grassroots participation, digital innovation, negotiation and influence, sponsorship and marketing, competition structuring, safeguarding, accountability, and financial planning.
Facilitated by respected regional and international experts such as Thubaelihle Sibanda, Romaney Pinnock, Ashford Mamelodi, and Nomsa Mahlangu, the programme blends practical learning, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving.
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Each session provides tools and case studies that participants can apply within their Member Associations.
This year’s cohort includes Vice Presidents, General Secretaries, department heads, technical leads, and safeguarding officers from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Original Copy: COSAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: COSAFA is championing women’s leadership in Southern African football with its Women’s Leadership Programme, which has over 40 women leaders from 13 Member Associations strengthening their capacity to shape the future of the regional game. Photo: Supplied
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