The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially launched its groundbreaking Women’s Football Strategy, a long-awaited document designed to drive the structured growth and professionalization of the women’s game across all levels in the country.
The strategy was unveiled by Dawn Lubisi, SAFA’s Acting Head of Women’s Football, who was appointed in November 2024. Lubisi has spent the last few months finalizing a plan years in the making, with contributions from multiple stakeholders, including two FIFA consultants.
Covering the entire spectrum of women’s football—from grassroots participation to elite national performance—the strategy outlines a clearly defined developmental pathway. Its objectives include the establishment of sustainable programs, support for emerging talent, and the fostering of a high-performance culture among South Africa’s national women’s teams, including Banyana Banyana.
“The strategy is only the beginning,” said Lubisi. “We can only work to properly execute what we have set out to do and hope the fruit yield true. This is a very exciting time.”
Developed between October 2022 and May 2023, and later revised in 2024, the document sets the stage for meaningful transformation in women’s football. Key priorities include infrastructure development, professional league structures, leadership training, and pathways for female players, coaches, and administrators.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, a former Banyana Banyana player and manager, emphasized the significance of the milestone. “It has always been our dream to collaboratively develop such a document—a guiding framework for current and future leaders in women’s football,” she said. “This is a proud moment for South African football.”
The Women’s Football Strategy is expected to empower girls and women both on and off the field, while aligning with global standards to elevate South African women’s football on the continental and international stage.
