South Africa women’s national team head coach Desiree “Des” Ellis believes Morocco’s recent investment and progress in the women’s game has significantly raised the competitive standard across African women’s football. Speaking about the evolving landscape on the continent, Ellis acknowledged that any country aiming to compete for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title now faces a higher benchmark because of Morocco’s rapid development.
Ellis, who has guided South Africa through multiple WAFCON campaigns and major international tournaments, pointed to Morocco’s structured approach to building the women’s game. The North African nation has notably expanded its domestic structures, supported its national team setup and improved facilities and resources, all of which have contributed to an upturn in performance. According to Ellis, these advances are forcing traditional powerhouses and emerging nations alike to reassess their own programmes in order to remain competitive at continental level.
South Africa, long regarded as one of the leading women’s football nations in Africa, has itself invested in player development and coaching, but Ellis suggested that Morocco’s progress is a reminder that the competitive landscape is changing quickly. She indicated that the gap between established teams and ambitious challengers is narrowing, and that tactical preparation, physical conditioning and squad depth are becoming more important with every WAFCON cycle.
Ellis also highlighted the broader implications for African women’s football. With Morocco raising standards through infrastructure, youth development and professional opportunities for players, other federations are being encouraged to follow suit. Greater investment can lead to more competitive national teams, which in turn can improve the quality of regional competitions and strengthen African representation on the global stage.
While Ellis did not downplay her own team’s ambitions, her comments reflected respect for Morocco’s progress and a recognition that success in future WAFCON tournaments will demand sustained improvement from all contenders. For Ellis, Morocco’s example serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for South Africa and the rest of the continent to push women’s football to new heights.
