Cape Verde's double celebration and coaching turmoil for South Africa: Wafcon storylines

Cape Verde's Double Celebration: Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Bring Hope for South African Team Amidst Coaching Turmoil.

The island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of just over half a million people, is set to make history in March when it makes its debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The team's rapid rise from formation to major tournament competition has left many observers stunned. What's more remarkable is that this achievement comes hot on the heels of Cape Verde's men's team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

The South African women's team, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future under coach Desiree Ellis. The long-serving coach has been out of contract since July 2024 and is still waiting to sign a new deal despite being offered one earlier this month. Ellis's departure has left the team without a head coach, with assistant Thinasonke Mbuli taking charge.

Mbuli is concerned that South Africa's lack of preparation for the tournament will hinder its chances. The team will face stiff competition in Morocco, including hosts Nigeria, 10-time champions Senegal, and six other teams that made it to the 2024 edition. With the World Cup looming large, Mbuli fears that a lack of game time for key players could prove disastrous.

In contrast, Malawi's sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are set to represent their country at Wafcon after signing with clubs abroad. The sisters have been playing outside Africa for most of the last decade and will be competing in the tournament alongside other top African talent.

Mbuli sees this as an opportunity for South Africa's best players to gain valuable experience abroad, highlighting the need for a professional domestic league to help the team improve. "If we talk about other teams around us, like Zambia or Malawi, you will see that their best players are not playing at home," Mbuli said.

The 2026 Wafcon serves as qualification for the 2027 World Cup, with all four semi-finalists earning a spot in Brazil. With Cape Verde's debut and South Africa's uncertain future hanging in the balance, fans can only hope that these talented teams bring home the silverware.

I gotta say, I'm feeling kinda hyped for Cape Verde's Wafcon debut ! They're literally making history and it's so inspiring to see them rise to the occasion. Meanwhile, South Africa's situation with their women's team is like, super uncertain . I get why coach Ellis wants a new deal, but it's also harsh on the players who've been dedicated to the team. What I do think is cool is how Malawi's sisters are taking advantage of opportunities abroad to gain experience ! It's all about creating more chances for African teams to shine and bring home that Wafcon silverware

I'm not surprised to see those African teams killin' it on the field . I mean, we used to watch these same players back in my day, playing for their clubs and countries... but not gettin' the recognition they deserve. Now, with all these girls playin' abroad and representin' their countries, I'm lovin' every minute of it!

But, let's be real, South Africa needs to sort out its domestic league situation ASAP . If other teams like Zambia or Malawi are gettin' all the attention for havin' top players who actually play at home... that's not right . Our girls deserve better than just scraps from the table. I'm hopin' Mbuli gets her act together and brings back some silverware to the Motherland .

And can we talk about how Cape Verde is makin' history with this debut? That's what it's all about, baby! Breakin' barriers and showin' the world what you're made of . I'm hyped for March, and I know our African girls are gonna bring home that Wafcon title in no time

this is crazy! cape verde's women team is about to make history at the africa cup of nations and south africa's team is like stuck in neutral with a coaching crisis what's up with desirée ellis not signing a new contract? she's been out since july 2024 but still hasn't signed anything...it's like they're trying to sabotage their own team meanwhile, cape verde's men team making the world cup for the first time is straight fire and malawi's sisters tabitha and temwa chawinga are about to bring home the wafcon these teams have so much potential but they need a solid domestic league system to compete with the best teams...fingers crossed they can pull it off!

Man I'm low-key hyped about this Wafcon thing Cape Verde is on the rise and it's awesome to see them making history! And yeah Desiree Ellis might be outta a job but let's not forget Thinasonke Mbuli has been doing her thang as assistant coach. The fact that Malawi's Tabitha & Temwa are gonna rep their country at Wafcon is fire and it shows how far African football has come. I mean we need a pro league in SA for real tho, so the best players can stay and improve our chances, but still gotta root for our own squad

OMG, y'all ! I'm low-key hyped for the Wafcon 2026! Cape Verde's rise is everything, you know? They're like the underdogs who actually made it happen . And can we talk about Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga? Those sisters are EVERYTHING . They're taking Africa by storm abroad, and now they get to represent Malawi on the biggest stage .

But, let's be real, South Africa needs to step up their game . A new coach is needed, pronto! And Mbuli's concerns about prep time and a professional domestic league are valid AF . If they want to compete with these top teams, they need a solid foundation. I'm rooting for Cape Verde's debut and the Chawinga sisters' Wafcon stint – let's hope it's not all for naught !

The African women's football landscape is undergoing significant transformations . The success of Cape Verde's team is a testament to the power of grassroots development and innovative coaching strategies . Meanwhile, South Africa's situation highlights the need for a robust domestic league structure to support its national teams and foster growth among talented players .

Malawi's Chawinga sisters are a shining example of the benefits of playing abroad and gaining valuable experience . Their participation in Wafcon will undoubtedly provide them with invaluable exposure and help raise the bar for African women's football as a whole .

It's essential to acknowledge that the lack of stability surrounding South Africa's coaching situation creates uncertainty, but also presents an opportunity for growth . Perhaps this could be a catalyst for reforms that would benefit the entire continent . As fans eagerly await the 2026 Wafcon and 2027 World Cup qualifiers, it will be fascinating to see which teams can deliver on their potential .

Man... thinkin' about this makes me realize how important it is to invest in our local sports scene . If we had a strong domestic league like some of our neighboring countries, I'm sure South Africa's women's team would be way more prepared for this tournament. It's like they're trying to compete with the big dogs without even gettin' a decent bite of the cake . On the other hand, Cape Verde's story is like a breath of fresh air - it shows that even the smallest countries can make a big impact if they put their heart into it . We need more people like Desiree Ellis who are passionate about developin' our local talent rather than just chasin' external solutions .

Man... think about this... how far we've come as a continent... I mean, Cape Verde just made it to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations! That's crazy! And you look at their guys too, making history in the World Cup for the first time... it's all about progression, right? But what's also true is that it's not just about individual teams... it's about the whole ecosystem. South Africa needs a strong domestic league to develop their players and compete on the world stage. Malawi's sisters are killing it abroad, but if they're not getting that exposure at home, it's gonna be tough for them too. It's all about supporting each other...

I THINK CAPE VERDE'S TEAM IS GONNA BLOW THE COMPETITION OUT OF THE WATER!!! THEYVE BEEN WORKING SO HARD TO GET TO THIS POINT AND IT'S AMAZING TO SEE THEIR RAPID PROGRESS! AS FOR SOUTH AFRICA, I HOPE THINASONKE MBULI CAN GET THE TEAM IN SHAPE FOR THE TOURNAMENT. THEY NEED TO PLAY SOME SERIOUS FOOTBALL TO COMPETE WITH THE OTHER TEAMS. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT WOULD MAKE THEM STRONGER? A PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC LEAGUE! THAT WOULD GIVE THEIR BEST PLAYERS THE CHANCE TO SHINE AND BRING IN MORE TOP PLAYERS FROM ABROAD. Fingers crossed for CAPE VERDE, THOUGH!!!

I'm not surprised at all that Cape Verde made it to the Wafcon - they've been playing well for years now! Their setup seems pretty solid, and it's no wonder they got in despite some of their opponents having more resources (like Senegal). As for South Africa, girl, what were you expecting? They had a long-serving coach who just happened to be out of contract, and then she was offered a new deal but didn't want it. Sounds like a pretty standard situation to me Mbuli's concerns about lack of game time are valid, though - those top players should definitely get some quality minutes before the big tournament. But come on, don't expect them to do miracles without a decent domestic league in place

I mean, come on! The Wafcon format is just so confusing . First of all, why do they have to play it every 2 years? Can't they just make it a regular tournament like normal football tournaments? And then you have this weird qualification process where the top teams get in and the rest are left out... it's just not fair to the other teams that actually qualify through their own performances . And what's up with the semi-finalists getting a spot in Brazil for free? It feels like they're just handing it to them on a plate . And don't even get me started on the lack of transparency around coaching contracts... I mean, I get that Desiree Ellis is still waiting for a new deal, but come on, give her some clarity already!

Ugh I'm so hyped about Cape Verde making it to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations!!! Their story is literally the definition of a Cinderella tale - from zero to hero in like 5 minutes! And can we talk about South Africa's team? Desperation mode is REAL right now. Desiree Ellis leaving and Thinasonke Mbuli stepping up as interim coach? Like, what's next?! The lack of preparation is gonna be SO tough on them. But on the other hand... I'm super stoked for Malawi's sisters Tabitha & Temwa! They're gonna crush it abroad and bring that WAFCON trophy back home!

Can't believe Cape Verde is making history at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations They're like a breath of fresh air, going from nothing to making it big It's a great message for all the up-and-coming teams, especially in South Africa who are struggling with their women's team right now . Desiree Ellis might be out, but Thinasonke Mbuli is trying her best . What's needed is a strong domestic league to help the SA team improve And it's amazing that Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are going to represent Malawi at Wafcon These teams bring hope for Africa's women's football, and I'm all about it!

Cape Verde's got heart , let's see if SA's got game ! Coaching drama aside, who cares about Des Ellis? We need a solid league for our ladies to shine ! Malawi's Chawinga sisters, on the other hand, are like the ultimate role models . Time to step up, Bafana women!

OMG, I'm so hyped for Cape Verde to make their debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations ! It's like they're defying expectations left and right, you know? But, tbh, South Africa's situation is super worrying . Desiree Ellis's departure has me thinking that maybe they need some fresh blood (pun intended) in the coaching department . I mean, Mbuli's concerns about lack of prep time for key players are legit... but at the same time, it's like, if your best players aren't even playing at home, something's gotta change . Either way, I'm here for the drama and the excitement ! Let's keep our fingers crossed that those talented teams bring home some serious silverware

I mean, Cape Verde is literally on fire right now! They're making waves in African football and it's amazing to see them compete at the highest level. But South Africa's situation is a bit worrying, especially with their lack of preparation and coaching uncertainty . I think what Mbuli said about needing a professional domestic league makes total sense. If they can get that sorted out, I reckon they've got a good chance of making it to the World Cup . And who knows, maybe one day we'll see some South African players dominating in Europe like those Malawian sisters are doing abroad

Yaaas, let's give it up for those amazing Cape Verde girls! They're crushing it on the field and bringing so much hope to the South African team . I mean, who doesn't love an underdog story? It's all about perseverance and hard work, you know? #CapeVerdeDeservesIt #WomensAfricaCupOfNations #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

And can we talk about Desiree Ellis for a sec? I feel her, girl is going through some tough times . But Thinasonke Mbuli is right on point about the need for a pro domestic league in SA . It's all about creating opportunities for those talented players to shine! #TeamSADeservesBetter #ProfessionalLeagueMatter

Malawi's got this, though! Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are serving looks and skills . They're gonna crush it at Wafcon and show the world what they're made of! #MalawiRocks #WafconBound

Yaaas, Africa is on fire!!! I'm so hyped for Cape Verde making its debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations! That's like, whoa, 500k people to represent their country in a major tournament? And South Africa's team is like, "Girl, we got this!" Even with coaching drama, they're all about that win vibe. Desiree Ellis may be out, but Thinasonke Mbuli is like, "Hey, let's get this Wafcon party started!" Malawi's Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are serving looks on the pitch abroad! This whole tournament is gonna be a wild ride, and I'm so here for it!

can you believe cape verde is actually making it to the africa cup of nations for the first time?? they're like a dark horse in this tournament! meanwhile south african team is just trying to figure out who their coach is lol, desiree ellis has been out of contract since july 2024 and still no deal? that's crazy talk. but seriously, malawi's tabitha and temwa chawinga are like the ultimate examples of african talent on the global stage. they're killing it abroad and now getting a chance to represent their country at wafcon