Women’s World Cup - The African Mirror

Nov

2023

Adidas and Puma eye chances in soccer’s fashion moment

SPORTSWEAR brands like Adidas and Puma are seeking to take advantage of a flirtation with soccer by the fashion world to reach a new customer base, building in part on demand created by this summer's successful Women's World Cup. With celebrities like Kim Kardashian seen attending matches and wearing soccer jerseys, clubs too spy new merchandising opportunities. One Premiership team has hired a creative director to expand its apparel offering, while Adidas in September launched an "exclusively off-pitch" apparel collection for some of the big-name teams it sponsors. "The love-in between football and fashion is only just beginning," said Richard…

Jul

2023

By MARK GLEESON

Africa have more teams but not increased hopes at World Cup

FOOTBALL

MORE African teams at an expanded Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this year might mean more chance of improved results for the vast continent, but realistically they may be lucky to do much more than get past the first round. There will be four African countries in the 32-team field, up from three in the last two editions. But Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia are not expected to make anything like the impact that Morocco did at the men’s tournament in Qatar last year when they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals.…

Jun

2023

By The African Mirror

Van Wyk out, Kgatlana in for South Africa at World Cup

FOOTBALL

SOUTH Africa's experienced defender Janine van Wyk has had to be left out of their 23-player squad for the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but coach Desiree Ellis has been able to recall pacy forward Thembi Kgatlana. Van Wyk, a stalwart of the side since her debut in 2005 and record caps holder for the country with 183, has not recovered in time from injury. "She won't be part of the World Cup, but definitely still remains in the picture (for the future)," Ellis said as she unveiled the squad on Friday. Kgatlana ruptured her Achilles when…

Mar

2023

By The African Mirror

Women sports leaders celebrated

SPORT

LORI EWING FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura has applauded the eight nations who are debuting at the Women's World Cup, urging the players to take pride in their ability to inspire. Haiti, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia will debut at the global women's soccer showcase that runs from July 20-August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. "Seeing you ladies who are mothers, sisters, students and athletes. Women they identify with, excelling on the pitch," Samoura said in a statement. "This will encourage a generation of young girls and women to aim high, to aim big. To advocate…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana moves to Spain

SPORT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER SOUTH African star forward Thembi Kgatlana has joined Spanish La Liga Iberdrola team SD Eibar from Portuguese outfit SL Benfica. Kgatlana, the Banyana Banyana striker, joins Iberdrola for the duration of the 2020-2021 season. The 24-year-old established herself after scoring South Africa’s first Women’s World Cup goal in France in 2019. She joins Eibar on a free transfer after a short spell in Portugal. Following her debut for Benfica on 1 February 2020, she made three appearances and scored three goals. The 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations top scorer and player of the tournament is coming…