The CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers may only be in its fifth edition, but it has already become a launchpad for some of Southern Africa’s brightest footballing talents.
As the 2025 tournament prepares to kick off in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22–31, we spotlight 10 standout players who have left an indelible mark on the competition.
1. Hellen Chanda (Green Buffaloes, Zambia)
A midfield powerhouse, Chanda was instrumental in Green Buffaloes’ 2022 title-winning campaign, scoring in their opener against Young Buffaloes of Eswatini. Her consistent performances earned her a place in Zambia’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, where she started in the Copper Queens’ historic 3-1 win over Costa Rica.
2. Keitumetse Dithebe (Gaborone United, Botswana)
Dithebe dazzled at the 2024 qualifiers in Malawi, earning the Player of the Tournament award as she led Gaborone United to a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout loss in the final. Her creativity and vision in midfield caught the eye of Turkish club Ankara BB Fomget, where she now plies her trade.
3. Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
A rock between the posts, Dlamini has been central to Sundowns’ dominance, helping them reach three consecutive finals and winning the Golden Glove in 2023. Her leadership and shot-stopping ability have been crucial in their two continental titles and she remains one of South Africa’s finest-ever goalkeepers.
4. Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa
The all-time leading scorer in the COSAFA qualifiers with eight goals, Kgadiete claimed the Golden Boot in 2021 with five goals and added three more in 2022. Her clinical finishing has made her a constant threat and a key figure in Sundowns’ attacking arsenal.
5. Ireen Lungu (Green Buffaloes, Zambia)
Lungu lit up the 2022 edition with five goals, including a hat-trick against Olympic de Moroni and a brace versus Young Buffaloes, earning her the Golden Boot. She has since moved to Kazakhstan’s BIIK Kazygurt and was a starter for Zambia at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
6. Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens, Zimbabwe)
Makore was named Player of the Tournament in 2021 despite her side finishing runners-up. A dynamic forward, she scored twice against TURA Magic and was a creative force throughout. A veteran of the 2016 Olympics, she remains one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic players.
7. Aisha Mbwana (Green Buffaloes, Tanzania)
Mbwana’s heroics in goal were pivotal in Green Buffaloes’ 2022 triumph. Her string of spectacular saves and composure in the final’s penalty shootout earned her the Golden Glove. She later represented the club at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Morocco.
8. Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
A defensive stalwart, Mbane has anchored Sundowns’ backline through three straight finals, conceding just four goals in 13 matches. Her leadership and reading of the game have also made her a cornerstone of Banyana Banyana, shining at the 2023 World Cup.
9. Precious Mudyiwa (Black Rhinos Queens, Zimbabwe)
Mudyiwa was the standout goalkeeper in the inaugural 2021 tournament, claiming the Golden Glove after keeping three consecutive clean sheets en route to the final. Her performances were a key part of Black Rhinos’ historic run.
10. Lesego Radiakanyo (Double Action Ladies, Botswana)
Radiakanyo has been a consistent performer for Double Action Ladies, helping them to three top-four finishes and a final appearance in 2023. She was named Player of the Tournament that year and is known for her creativity and goal-scoring touch, including a brace in a 6-0 win over Lesotho Defence Force in 2021.
