Sundowns Ladies and the Spirit of WAFCON

Author: John Aliu

Few tournaments capture the imagination of African football quite like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). It is where champions are crowned, legacies are forged and careers are defined. For Sundowns Ladies stars Noxolo Cesane and Asanda Hadebe, WAFCON represents both the progress of South African women’s football and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

NOXOLO CESANE

As part of the historic 2022 WAFCON-winning Banyana Banyana squad in Morocco, Noxolo Cesane experienced firsthand what it means to reach the summit of African football and help write one of the most memorable chapters in South African women's football.

“It forced people to take women’s football more seriously, not just in South Africa but across the Continent. You could feel the respect growing in the way matches were covered, attended and discussed. It also showed us as players that we are capable of handling pressure on the biggest stage and still delivering when it matters most,” she says.

For Cesane, the impact of that triumph extended far beyond the trophy itself, resonating across supporters, communities and the wider football landscape.

“It was more than just a trophy—it was pride, identity and unity. Even people who did not usually follow women’s football started paying attention. The supporters, the atmosphere, the emotion—it all showed how powerful the tournament is for the continent.”

And through it all, she remains grounded in what it means to represent her country on such a stage.

“To wear the South African jersey is a huge honour and responsibility. You are not just playing for yourself, but for every young girl who dreams of being here one day. That responsibility never leaves you, no matter how many times you wear it.”

ASANDA HADEBE

For Hadebe, the story of Banyana Banyana’s rise is proof that persistence, patience and belief can eventually turn dreams into reality.

“Banyana Banyana’s journey in competitions, especially WAFCON, teaches you that persistence and belief are never wasted. The team came close so many times before finally winning in 2022. That shows young players that success does not always happen immediately, but if you keep working and believing, your moment will come,” she reflects.

Having made her senior national team debut at just 16 years of age, Hadebe understands that development is rarely a straight line.

“Football has taught me that everyone’s journey is different. I have had injuries and there were times I was not part of major tournaments, but those experiences pushed me to become stronger. Setbacks are not the end of the story — they are part of the process of becoming the player you are meant to be.”

For her, WAFCON represents the highest standard of African football and the ultimate test of character.

“WAFCON is where nations prove themselves and where legacies are built. It is a competition that demands consistency, courage and belief. Every player who steps onto that stage is carrying more than themselves—they are carrying a nation’s expectations and dreams.”

Those experiences have shaped the message she hopes to pass on to the next generation.

“My advice to young girls is to keep going even when things get difficult. Talent alone is not enough; you need resilience and discipline. Believe in yourself even when others do not, because every step you take is helping you get closer to your goals.”

As African women’s football continues to build toward its next continental chapter, the legacy of 2022 remains a defining reference point. For Sundowns Ladies, it is both inspiration and responsibility and a reminder of how far the game has come and how much more can still be achieved.

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August, with South Africa drawn in Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.