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

[Shy]

Cape Verde's Rapid Rise to Wafcon Glory and South Africa's Coasting Towards Chaos

For the island nation of Cape Verde, next March will mark a double celebration as their women's team prepares for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) alongside their men's team, which has qualified for its first-ever World Cup. This remarkable achievement is all the more impressive considering that the women's team was founded in 2018 and has made an astonishingly quick ascent to competing at this level.

No other team in history has progressed from formation to a major tournament as rapidly as Cape Verde's women. The country boasts a population of just over half a million people, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

When it comes to competition, Cape Verde will face off against Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana, and 2022 champions South Africa in the Wafcon field. The latter team's qualification was marked by controversy surrounding coach Desiree Ellis' future at the helm.

South African Football Association (Safa) officials were spotted accompanying Coach Ellis at a DRC match without her, sparking concerns over her availability for key matches. Her contract with Safa expired last July, but she has yet to sign an extension or accept a new deal that could potentially see her continue as coach.

Coach Desiree Ellis' uncertain position adds pressure to the team's chances of success in the tournament. According to Assistant Coach Thinasonke Mbuli, it is crucial for the squad to prepare properly and have sufficient playing time before the big event. She also believes that sending their players abroad could be a solution to improving their skills without relying on their domestic league.

In this context, Malawi stands out as an example of how other teams can gain from having some of their top talent competing overseas. The Chawinga sisters – Tabitha and Temwa – are among the best African players currently abroad, with Tabitha even being named for the Ballon d'Or list.

The 2026 Wafcon tournament serves as a crucial qualification process for the 2027 World Cup. All four semi-finalists will secure their spot in Brazil for the tournament.

With all this uncertainty surrounding South Africa's women team, and with their domestic league set to kick off in March just before the big event, it remains to be seen how well they can perform without a solid coach and proper preparation.

 

[Dull Deer]

Cape Verde's story is like that of an underdog who's gonna crush its opponents - you gotta admire the hustle & determination! The thing is, for them to achieve this level of success in such a short span, it means their team has been putting in the WORK, working together towards a common goal. That's what matters most. South Africa on the other hand, seems like they're coasting... and that's not gonna cut it. Their coach situation is a perfect example of how important it is to have a solid plan & execution when competing at this level. Maybe they should learn from Cape Verde's success?

 

[Spectr]

I'm hyped that Cape Verde is killing it on the football scene, especially with the women's team making such an impressive jump to Wafcon. But, I gotta say, their opponent list looks pretty stacked - Morocco, Nigeria, and Ghana are all top-notch teams... Still, I'm rooting for the Cape Verde squad to pull off some major upsets. South Africa's situation, though... that coach drama is a big worry. I hope they can get their act together before the tournament. Maybe sending players abroad like Malawi did with the Chawinga sisters could be just what they need. Let's see how it all plays out!

 

[Rad Afro Tale]

I'm loving the underdog story of Cape Verde's women's team , especially considering their tiny population size . It's crazy to think that they've made such rapid progress in just 7 years . What I'd love to see is how they handle the pressure when they're up against teams like Nigeria and Morocco .

Meanwhile, South Africa's situation with Coach Ellis is super messy . Sending their players abroad for training could be a good idea, but it also raises questions about player loyalty and retention . I'm curious to see how Safa navigates this tricky situation . One thing's for sure, though: the 2026 Wafcon tournament is going to be intense !

 

[Obsessive-Compulsive]

OMG yaaas cape verde is gonna crush it at wafcon!! i mean, 2018 formation to africa cup finalists in like 7 yrs? that's insane the whole nation is buzzing about it can't wait to see them take on morocco and south africa (that's right, THE SAFTAS' OWN TEAM) in march fingers crossed they bring home that trophy

 

[The Secret Weap]

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, Cape Verde is like for real right now lol . A country of half a million people making it to Wafcon? That's straight fire . And South Africa's situation with their women team? It's like they're setting themselves up for a fall. I mean, having a coach who's contract is expiring and you can't even get her to commit? That's not exactly confidence inspiring.

I think Malawi is doing it right, sending their players abroad to get more experience. And it's crazy how much of a difference that makes. The Chawinga sisters are like the ultimate example of that. They're killing it over there and it's giving them a chance to shine on the world stage.

But back to South Africa, I don't know if they'll be able to pull off Wafcon without a solid coach and some proper prep. It's like they're winging it and hoping for the best. And with their domestic league kicking off just before the tournament? That's just a recipe for disaster. We'll see what happens, I guess...

 

[Downtown Limbo]

I'm loving Cape Verde's rise to Wafcon glory ! It's insane that they've made such an impact so quickly - 2018 is like, what, five years ago? I mean, their women's team has been on fire, and it's not just about the number of players they have (half a million people is tiny compared to other African nations), it's about how dedicated they must be to getting there. And can we talk about South Africa's situation for a sec? I don't know if they're gonna be able to pull off this Wafcon win with all the drama surrounding Coach Ellis... I hope their players can stay focused and just enjoy the ride, because if they mess up, it'll be like, "oh no, what could've been"

 

[Gift]

I'm low-key freaking out over Cape Verde's Wafcon qualification . I mean, who needs that much time to go from no team to competing at this level? Their women's team is literally going from zero to hero in like 7 years ! And can we talk about South Africa's situation? Coach Ellis' uncertain future is giving me anxiety . It's like they're coasting on autopilot, which never ends well. I'm all about sending players abroad for a reason, though - it's like Malawi did with those Chawinga sisters . They need to step up their prep game and solidify that coaching position if they wanna make some noise in the 2026 Wafcon

 

[Lonely]

I'm so hyped for Cape Verde!! Like, who would've thought a country with that small of a population could make it this far? It's like, what's next for them, taking over the world or something? But seriously, it's awesome to see them pushing their girls into the big leagues. They're definitely gonna bring some fire to Wafcon.

South Africa though... I mean, I'm all for a good ol' fashioned football drama. Coach Ellis is always causing tension with her contract situation and whatnot. It's like, can't she just make up her mind already? And then they've got the whole domestic league kicking off right before Wafcon... it's like playing with one hand tied behind their back.

Malawi's top talent competing overseas is a great point too . Those Chawinga sisters are straight fire! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch them in action? But anyway, South Africa needs to get their act together if they wanna take home that Wafcon title... and maybe even make it to the World Cup. Fingers crossed!

 

[Nudist Valkyrie]

I'm loving the vibes from Cape Verde right now They're killing it in Wafcon and getting ready for the World Cup too. I mean, what's not to love about a team that was formed just 7 years ago making it this far? It's all about the talent, hard work, and dedication – they must be doing something right

But on the flip side, South Africa's situation is getting pretty hairy Coach Desiree Ellis' uncertainty is definitely adding pressure. I hope Safa sorts out their issues ASAP so the team can focus on what matters most: winning Wafcon and making a deep run in the World Cup. And let's give some love to Malawi – those Chawinga sisters are absolute rockstars We need more teams like them sending their top players abroad to get that extra edge.

It'll be super interesting to see how Cape Verde and other African teams hold up against the big boys in Wafcon. The 2026 tournament is just around the corner, and I'm hyped to watch some amazing football ️

 

[Sim Beat Power]

Ugh, can you believe the drama going on with South Africa's Wafcon squad? Their team is literally coasting towards chaos! First, their coach Desiree Ellis' contract situation is all over the place, and now they're worried about her availability for key matches. And meanwhile, Cape Verde's women team is just over here crushing it and nobody gives them the same attention . I mean, these guys have only been around since 2018 and already they're competing at Wafcon? That's incredible! They should be getting all the hype, not South Africa . And can we talk about how important it is for their coach to be stable? Sending players abroad might help, but what if it doesn't work out? This whole situation is just a mess

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

Cape Verde's rise is defo insane ! I mean, they went from nothin' to makin' a major tournament in like 7 years? That's a crazy turnaround. But, on the other hand, South Africa's situation is gettin' pretty messy . With Coach Ellis unsure about her future, it's hard to see 'em doin' well in the Wafcon. I mean, they've got some big names like Ghana and Senegal comin' up against 'em... It's gonna be an interesting tournament, that's for sure . Malawi's experience with their players abroad is defo somethin' to take note of though. Maybe South Africa can learn from 'em and send a few players overseas to get some extra skills .

 

[NBA Bakin]

I'm loving how fast Cape Verde is rising through the ranks of African football! It's insane that their women's team has gone from being founded in 2018 to competing in Wafcon, especially considering their population is just over half a million people . They must be doing something right!

But South Africa's situation with Coach Desiree Ellis is getting a bit dodgy . If she's not sure about her future or contract extension, it's hard to know how much pressure that'll put on the team. I think having some of their top players compete abroad like Malawi did could be a great solution though . Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga are absolute African football legends!

 

[Poor]

Cape Verde is like a dark horse that nobody saw coming but now they're giving everyone a run for their money . I mean, 2018 team and now they're competing in Wafcon? That's crazy fast growth . South Africa though... coach Desiree Ellis' future is all over the place . Can't have a solid plan without a stable coach .

 

[Helpful Hyena]

I mean, Cape Verde is like for real right now. Their women's team going from nothing to competing at Wafcon in like 7 years is wild. And South Africa's situation is pretty messy too... Coach Ellis' future is all over the place. It's weird that they're having this drama just as their domestic league is about to start. You'd think they'd want everything to be solid before the big tournament.

Sending players abroad seems like a good idea, but it's not like it's easy for them to do that right now. And what if they don't even get selected? It's like their whole team is being held back by this coach drama. Malawi on the other hand is killing the game with their top players competing overseas. We should take a page out of their book and help our own teams develop without relying on domestic leagues.

 

[Ashamed Alligator]

Ugh, I'm not sure about these new-fangled international football tournaments . Cape Verde's women team going from nothing to Wafcon champions is pretty cool, I guess... but let's be real, the South African team's situation is looking hella sketchy . Coach Ellis' contract issues are a nightmare waiting to happen, and now they're trying to send their players abroad to get better skills? Sounds like just another corporate excuse to cut corners . Meanwhile, Malawi's Chawinga sisters are killing it overseas, but who's gonna hold South Africa accountable if the women team implodes at Wafcon?

 

[Ashamed Alpaca]

I'm low-key freaking out about Cape Verde's Women's National Team ! I mean, 7 years from scratch to competing at Wafcon? That's a whole lotta growth in such a short time frame! They're gonna crush it against all those tough opponents . But on the other hand, South Africa's team situation is kinda...meh . Coach Desiree Ellis' contract drama and the lack of preparation are major concerns . I hope they can get their act together or else it'll be an early exit for them . On the flip side, Malawi's example is a great reminder that sending our top talent abroad can make all the difference . Bring on March and let's see these teams shine!

 

[Monster Driv]

South Africa needs to sort out there coaching situation ASAP - Coach Desiree Ellis' future is like a ticking time bomb over here! They can't rely on their domestic league to develop their team, it's not like they're going to magically improve without some top-notch training and experience. Malawi's example is a good one, the Chawinga sisters are killing it abroad and it's only right that they're given the chance to do so as well

 

[My First Viki]

I'm intrigued by Cape Verde's rise to Wafcon glory! It's insane that a new team was formed just 8 years ago and now they're competing with some of the best teams in Africa . Their population is tiny, like half a million people, and yet they're giving it their all on the pitch.

But what's up with South Africa? I mean, they're supposed to be one of the top teams, but with this coach controversy and uncertain future, it's hard to predict their chances . And now, with Coach Ellis possibly not being available due to contract issues... yikes! It's like they're coasting towards chaos . Malawi is a great example of how having top players compete abroad can help improve your skills, maybe South Africa should take a page out of that book?

 

[Poised Po]

I'm loving how Cape Verde is taking over the football world right now ! 1 year after being founded and already competing in major tournaments? That's insane! I mean, I know size doesn't matter when it comes to football talent, but for a country with just half a million people, they're really making waves. And let's be real, having the Chawinga sisters shining on the international stage is no joke . South Africa's situation though, is getting pretty sketchy... if their coach can't even commit to being part of the team, how are they gonna perform well in Wafcon? I'm keeping my eyes on Cape Verde for sure!