African Football Headlines: Club Sales, WAFCON Drama, and Tournament Previews

Major Shake-Up in South African Football: SuperSport United Sold and Renamed

In a transformative moment for South African football, SuperSport United, one of the country’s most decorated clubs, has been sold and will now compete under the new name Siwelele FC. This change follows the imminent acquisition of MultiChoice, the club’s former parent company, by the French media conglomerate Canal+. The deal, which sent ripples through the Premier Soccer League, comes as Canal+ made it clear they have no intention of managing a football club as part of their expanding African media portfolio.

The club’s new ownership group is a consortium from Bloemfontein, fronted by Calvin Le John, the son of South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie. This marks a significant transition for SuperSport United, a side that has claimed three top-flight league titles since the mid-1990s and has been a consistent force in domestic football for nearly thirty years.

It is important to note that while South Africa’s Competition Commission did not require the sale as a condition for the Canal+-MultiChoice merger, it did mandate that MultiChoice employees must remain secure in their jobs for at least three years after the deal is finalized. This provides some stability for staff even as the club enters a new era under local leadership.[Source]

Banyana Banyana Set for Senegal Test in WAFCON Quarter-Finals

South Africa’s women’s national team, affectionately known as Banyana Banyana, are gearing up for a pivotal quarter-final clash against Senegal in the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Scheduled for this Saturday in Oujda, Morocco, the match is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.

Under the guidance of coach Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana have demonstrated formidable form, topping Group C after a commanding 4-0 victory over Mali and finishing the group stage with seven points. Despite their success, Ellis has cautioned that Senegal will pose a unique and challenging threat, emphasizing the increasing competitiveness of women’s football on the continent. She highlighted that matches are often decided by moments of brilliance or costly mistakes, and that her team must be prepared for a tight contest.

As the reigning African champions, South Africa will be aiming to defend their title, but Ellis insists her squad is taking nothing for granted. The depth and resilience shown by the team so far will be put to the test against a Senegalese side eager to make their mark on the tournament.[Source]

Kenya Prepares to Co-Host the 2024 African Nations Championship

Excitement is mounting in Kenya as the nation prepares to co-host the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), alongside Uganda and Tanzania. With just a few weeks left before kickoff, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The tournament, which exclusively features players active in their home leagues, offers a unique platform for local talent to shine on an international stage.

Kenyan midfielder Alpha Chris Onyango, who plies his trade at Gor Mahia, expressed the sense of opportunity the tournament brings. He described CHAN as a golden chance for Kenyan footballers to showcase their abilities not only to the continent but to scouts and clubs worldwide. Onyango also highlighted the unity and drive within the Harambee Stars’ camp, as they prepare to face a challenging group featuring Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia—three teams with strong football pedigrees.

The call has gone out to Kenyan supporters to fill the iconic Kasarani Stadium and provide the national team with a true home advantage. The event is expected to boost local football infrastructure and foster greater enthusiasm for the sport across East Africa.[Source]

Anticipation Builds for AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Looking ahead, the football world is already buzzing with excitement for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be hosted by Morocco. The tournament will take place from late December 2025 to mid-January 2026, promising a showcase of the continent’s best talent and teams.

Morocco’s Atlas Lions, currently Africa’s top-ranked team according to FIFA, enter the competition as favorites after a flawless qualifying campaign in which they won all six of their matches. The Moroccan squad will be eager to capitalize on home advantage and add another continental trophy to their cabinet.

This edition of AFCON will also see the return of several notable teams. Comoros makes a comeback after missing the previous tournament, while Botswana celebrates qualification for the first time in twelve years. Benin returns after a two-tournament absence, and Sudan’s qualification is particularly poignant given the country’s ongoing civil conflict, which forced the national team to play their home qualifiers abroad.

The tournament is expected to deliver captivating matches, passionate fan support, and memorable moments as Africa’s footballing nations battle for supremacy.[Source]

Conclusion: African Football on the Rise

From significant club ownership changes in South Africa to the growing competitiveness of women’s football and the anticipation surrounding major continental tournaments, African football is experiencing a period of dynamic change and excitement. With CHAN and AFCON on the horizon and fresh storylines emerging every week, the passion for the beautiful game continues to unite fans across the continent. Stay tuned for more updates as the journey unfolds, and be sure to follow the action as Africa’s top teams and players write the next chapter in the continent’s storied football history.