Women’s soccer in Africa has gone through many changes in recent years. It transformed from being played on dusty pitches to becoming an organized and increasingly competitive sport. Not only that, but it also has growing participation, improved structures, and rising visibility. There are still some challenges, such as a lack of funding, cultural barriers, and limited infrastructure. These challenges, though, are being tackled by national federations and local communities. They are working to increase opportunities for girls to play soccer. A great example of this is represented by Wakiso Hills Women Football Club in Uganda. They demonstrate how sustained efforts can elevate women’s soccer and provide opportunities for young girls.
Wakiso Hills From Grassroots to National League
Wakiso Hills Women Football Club, commonly known as “The Antelopes,” traces its origins back to 2010. Back then, it was founded as a girls’ school team in the Maya Wakiso District of Uganda. From the beginning, the club grew gradually and competed in the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL), which is Uganda’s top women’s football division. In this league, the club has gained promotion and aims to present itself among the nation’s elite teams.
The club’s journey reflects the progress in Ugandan women’s soccer. The Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League has become the centerpiece of the domestic game. It expanded to include more teams and even gained sponsors that help fund broadcast, coaching development, and infrastructure support. With sponsorship from Finance Trust Bank, viewership of women’s league matches has surged. This sponsorship also made the bank the first-ever sponsor of women’s soccer in Uganda, according to Kawowo Sports. Some games even drew tens of thousands of online viewers. This is quite an increase when compared to other seasons. The views also came from fans’ presence at games.
It’s important to note that Wakiso Hills didn’t reach the top tier easily. Several factors contributed to this. One of them is how the club benefited from partnerships with men’s teams such as Vipers FC. This helped with the technical and paperwork side as they met license requirements and also improved performance. This collaboration between the two teams shows how joint efforts can help with funding, coaching stability, and also increase access to competitive environments where women’s soccer can be played.
Not Just Wakiso Hills
Wakiso Hills isn’t the only example that women’s soccer is growing in Africa. Uganda’s experience with Wakiso Hills mirrors broader continental trends in the growth of women’s soccer. Organizations such as the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) have been prioritizing women’s soccer, as according to CAF Online. CAF’s development agenda for 2024-2025 included women-only coaching licenses, administration workshops across multiple countries, and legacy activities in collaboration with competitions such as the CAF Women’s Champions League. This makes it easier for players to move from grassroots soccer to competitive clubs.
Across Africa more generally, women’s soccer has gained momentum as national federations, sponsors, and communities have begun recognizing the value of girls being able to play soccer. The visibility of women’s teams and role models has only increased due to increasing media coverage and improving league structures. Both established soccer countries like Nigeria and emerging leagues in Eastern and Southern Africa are making it easier and more enjoyable for girls to play the sport at all levels.
When it comes to the grassroots front, programs such as local football festivals, school initiatives, and youth events are helping girls as young as six years old get to know the sport. All these efforts show not only athletic development but also the important role of the community coming together.
There Are Still Barriers
Unfortunately, there are still some barriers out there despite all of this progress. In several African countries, there are still traditional gender roles and social expectations that don’t encourage girls’ participation in soccer. Reports on women’s soccer in some parts of Nigeria show that girls still face skepticism and limited support from their communities. These communities have a historical belief that soccer is only meant for men. Thankfully, many girls still continue to pursue their passion, especially with the existence of role models who prove that these barriers can be overcome.
These barriers emphasize the need for ongoing investment in league structure and sponsorship. In addition to this, these investments should also be focused on education and advocacy to get rid of gender stereotypes that limit girls’ opportunities. To have more teams like Wakiso Hills, we need to increase access to facilities, competitive matches, and qualified coaching. There should also be campaigns to highlight the success of several African players when it comes to women’s soccer.
African Players in the NWSL
The success of Wakiso Hills shows how African countries are filled with talents that are just waiting for a chance. The number of African players who have already made it shows that progress is happening. In recent seasons, the NWSL has seen a notable increase in African players. This shows the quality of talent coming from Africa.
One of the most prominent signings was Asisat Oshoala, who joined Bay FC in 2024. In the time she spent in the NWSL, Oshoala became one of the first high-profile African stars in the league. She quickly became a fan favorite and a major contributor on the pitch. In her wake, such players as Racheal Kundananji, Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, and Michelle Alozie have joined NWSL clubs. Quickly, the number of African players in the league increased.
Oshoala herself commented on the impact African players have on the NWSL. “The African players have actually raised the bar in this league. We have a lot of talent that have come here. We have Chawinga, Rachael, Barbra, and some other players. What they have been able to do is amazing. I think we proved here that African players are just as good as anybody,” she told ESPN.
Successful Examples
Among the most prominent African stars in the league is Chawinga, who is a Malawian forward for Kansas City Current. Chawinga has achieved remarkable success in the NWSL, winning both the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player (MVP) in consecutive seasons. This made her the first ever player to do this in the league’s history, as according to Reuters. In 2025, she led the league with 15 goals and captured the MVP award once again. This further established her as one of the league’s top players.
Zambia’s Banda is another standout African talent as she plays for Orlando Pride. She scored eight goals in 16 appearances in the 2025 season. She also became the Pride’s first player to score a hat trick. This marked a historical moment for African players in the league. Banda’s performances have also earned her back-to-back nominations to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11. She is the first African player to do this.
Additionally, Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC, has been one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. This is because she contributes both goals and assists. Her talent earned her a nomination for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year alongside Chawinga and Banda.
Newer Signings
The NWSL has also been witnessing newer signings when it comes to African players. One example is Prisca Chilufya, a Zambian forward, who was traded to Angel City FC after her stint with Orlando Pride. This shows how African players are moving within the league.
There is also Ugandan striker, Fauzia Najjemba who in early 2026 signed with NWSL expansion club Boston Legacy FC. This made her one of the latest African players to come to the league. Her signing is another one that reinforces the idea that the road from African leagues to the NWSL is becoming more common. This is thanks to the African clubs trying to provide opportunities for women’s soccer players, including Wakiso Hills.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
The presence of African players in the NWSL impacts more than match results. It expands representation, inspires young girls across Africa, and proves that talent developed in domestic leagues such as Uganda’s FUFA Women’s Super League can translate into success on the global stage. Many of these players maintain strong connections to their national team programs. This contributes to many great performances at continental competitions such as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In addition to this, African players in the NWSL serve as role models. They show young girls in Africa that careers in elite professional soccer clubs are possible. This can only increase ambition among these young girls who dream of playing soccer. This visibility helps change perceptions about women’s soccer in societies where gender biases have historically limited opportunities for girls. The success of African players in the NWSL reinforces the importance of investment in youth development, coaching, and league infrastructure in African soccer.
A Growing Legacy
The growth of girls’ soccer across Africa reflects a broader shift toward more opportunities for female players. Wakiso Hills stands out as a great example of what grassroots development and support can achieve. As domestic leagues such as Uganda’s FUFA Women’s Super League continue to develop, they are creating foundations that help African talent shine whether at home or abroad. At the same time, the rising number of African players in the NWSL shows how investment and the creation of opportunities could translate into success on the global stage. This will only inspire more girls growing up in Africa and create more clubs such as Wakiso Hills.
Image via fufa.co.ug
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