The CAF Women’s Champions League is still a young competition, inaugurated in 2021, and while the recent increase in prize pool to $2.35m is a step forward, there’s still room for improvement.
By Tuka Letura
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced a significant increase in the prize money for the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. The winner will now receive $600,000 — a significant boost from previous editions— while the total prize pool has surged to $2.35 million.
For the first time, all eight competing teams will receive a share of the prize money, starting with $150,000 for the lowest-ranking group-stage. This 52% increase in prize money compared to the previous edition while being great, dwarfs that of the European version of the competition.
While the disparity between the two is evident and its cause fairly obvious, it remains crucial for African teams to secure the funding necessary to compete at par with their international counterparts. This is why CAF’s new incentive couldn’t have come at a better time.
What impact will this significant influx of prize money have on women’s club football across the continent? How will it influence the clubs, the leagues they compete in, and the overall growth of women’s football in Africa?
It goes without saying that many women’s teams across the continent face dire challenges when it comes to facilities, training methods, travel, and other logistical aspects of competing at the highest level. In many nations, women are often relegated to subpar facilities because the better resources are reserved for men’s teams, leaving the women to make do with inadequate provisions.
In contrast to women’s teams in Europe, South, and North America, the gap in development is glaring, highlighting just how much work remains to be done—not only in the quality of football itself but also in the processes and facilities that underpin it. These are the foundations that drive stability and consistently improved performances.
For better context, Europe’s dominance in women’s football stems from decades of intentional support, infrastructure development, and a cultural shift towards accepting women in the sport. The UEFA’s Women’s Champions League, for example, boasts a prize pool of €24 million for the 2023/24 season.
This financial support has empowered clubs like FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, and Chelsea FC Women to consistently compete at the highest level, fielding squads that not only dominate domestically but also perform exceptionally on the global stage.
These clubs have access to state-of-the-art facilities, elite coaching staff, and expansive media coverage, enabling them to develop talent and attract sponsorship.
In Africa, the reality is far different. The CAF Women’s Champions League is still a young competition, inaugurated in 2021, and while the recent increase in prize pool to $2.35m is a step forward, there’s still room for improvement.
For instance, Morocco’s ASFAR, who won the 2022 edition, received $400,000 in prize money — a fraction of what even mid-tier European women’s teams generate. Regardless, they have committed to reinvesting all of that money back into the team, which has allowed them to consistently secure a spot in every subsequent edition of the Women’s Champions League, including this year.
Not all teams are run with the same level of intention and commitment as AS FAR. Those that cannot operate at such a standard often miss out on crucial funding. However, with better financial support, more teams could bridge the gap and reduce the disparity.
This disparity goes beyond performance on the pitch, extending to infrastructure, media exposure, and the availability of professional contracts for players.
Teams like Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have showcased the potential of African women’s football, yet their struggles further highlights the structural challenges.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League winners, have repeatedly highlighted the need for better investment in domestic leagues. Their achievements on the pitch contrast starkly with the lack of comprehensive support systems that can sustain long-term success.
With all this in mind, the first step towards improving women’s football in Africa is to run clubs in a way that prioritises their growth and long-term sustainability. A crucial part of this involves assembling a competent management team that can ensure the clubs operate profitably.
While this might sound straightforward, it’s important to recognise that profitability is often tied to the state of the leagues themselves. Unlike top leagues that are financially lucrative, many local leagues struggle to generate consistent revenue.
Additionally, clubs must focus on nurturing young talent. By grooming prodigies and developing younger players, clubs can create a steady pipeline of talent. This ensures that even if senior players move on, the club can rely on homegrown talent, reducing the need for costly signings.
Branding also plays a key role—a well-branded club has a better chance of expanding its reach across borders, attracting sponsorships, and enhancing its talent pool. However, achieving all this requires clubs to maximise the funds they earn from participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League. By reinvesting these resources wisely, clubs can position themselves for success in this competition and beyond.
In every way possible, the finances generated from the competition should be strategically utilised to encourage growth. Only then can the progress of women’s club football reach the rapid pace we aspire to see.
In group stages, AS FAR Rabat Women dominated Group A with a perfect nine points, while TP Mazembe secured the second spot. In Group B, Edo Queens topped the table, closely followed by Masar Women, who edged Mamelodi Sundowns for a semi-final place. UWC Ladies, Aigles de la Médina, Mamelodi Sundowns, and CBE Women were eliminated from their respective group. Here’s how the teams finished after on the standings:
The semi-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League delivered high-stakes drama. TP Mazembe Women showcased resilience, defeating Edo Queens 3–1 after extra time to secure their spot in the final. AS FAR Rabat Women continued their dominant run, edging Masar Women 2–1 in a tightly contested match.
The tournament now heads into its final stages. Masar Women will face Edo Queens on 22nd November in the third-place playoff, both teams eager to finish on a high. The grand final on 23rd November pits the unbeaten AS FAR Rabat Women against TP Mazembe Women.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.