Zambian clubs could be on high alert with the huge financial benefits that come with participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns are back on top of the African women’s game after defeating Morocco’s SC Casablanca 3-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League final on Sunday.
A brace from top scorer Tholakele Refilwe and Boitumelo Rabale’s strike earned the South Africans victory in Cote d’Ivoire as they reclaimed the title they relinquished last year.
The South Africans’ impressive run in Cote dIvoire not only sees them reclaim the title they lost to AS FAR last season, but they set a record of lifting the title without conceding a single goal enroute to glory.
Sundowns win means the COSAFA region will have two representatives at the competition next year.
The COSAFA Champions pocketed $400,000 (Approximately over 9 million Kwacha) for winning the tournament.
Green Buffaloes in 2022 qualified for the prestigious tournament after winning the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers edging Sundowns on post match penalties.
The Zambian giants however suffered an early exit after finishing second in group A behind eventual winners AS FAR and Simba Queens.
The Zambia Army sponsored outfit made a strong start to the tournament, with a 4-0 thrashing of Determine Girls, before squandering a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to hosts AS FAR at Stade Moulay Hassan.
In their final and decisive Group A game, the then COSAFA champions were bounced out of the competition by second-half goals from Aisha Djafari and Opah Clement.
Despite the premature exit, The Zambian side pocketed $150,000 (approximately 3.4 million based today’s rates).
Hence with Sundowns as Champions, Zambian clubs will be on high alert as two teams will get a chance to fight for the 9 million Kwacha equivalent prize money from the COSAFA region.
Whichever team will end up winning the Zambia Women’s Super Division will have to navigate the region competition first before being guaranteed around 2 million Kwacha from CAF.
In Women’s Football, especially Zambia that is a significant amount that can go a long way.
Indeni Roses currently lead the log with 19 points with Green Buffaloes in second, Elite Ladies are third while ZISD close the top four bracket.
Prize Money Breakdown for the CAF Women’s Champions League
Winner: USD 400, 000
Runners-up: USD 250, 000
Semi-finalists: USD 200, 000
Third of Group: USD 150, 000
Fourth of Group: USD 100, 000
