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Ghana Women’s Premier League champions, Police Ladies, have recruited experienced tactician Yusif Basigi to steer their campaign in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League, as they aim to secure a spot in the continental showpiece through the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B qualifiers.
In a strategic move ahead of the sub-regional competition in Côte d’Ivoire from August 23 to September 4, the Accra-based team have roped in the respected gaffer who famously led Hasaacas Ladies to a runners-up finish in the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021.
Police Ladies are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ghana’s two trailblazers, Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa, by not only making it through the WAFU qualifiers but also making a strong showing on the continental stage.
Their decision to engage Basigi is not only driven by ambition but also to ensure compliance with CAF regulations, which stipulate that head coaches in the Women’s Champions League must hold a CAF ‘A’ Licence or an equivalent Pro Licence from another recognised confederation.
Assistant coaches must possess at least a CAF ‘B’ Licence.
Confirming the appointment, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Yakubu Ansah Asamani, Team Manager of Police Ladies, told the Graphic Sports that Basigi’s appointment was temporary and specifically for the duration of the Champions League campaign, while Chief Inspector Abu Kassim Tabasu, who led the side to the league title, will serve as assistant coach during the campaign.
“We initially engaged Coach Basigi as a technical advisor to support our preparations,” ASP Asamani explained. “However, once CAF’s technical regulations were released, and it became clear that our substantive coach, Chief Inspector Abu Kassim Tabasu, did not meet the licence requirements, we had to make a switch.”
Fortunately for Police Ladies, Basigi was available after his one-year stint with Tanzanian giants Simba Queens ended.
“Coach Basigi willingly accepted the offer because of his passion for the game and national interest. He brings vast experience and a deep understanding of the competition, which we believe will benefit the team greatly,” ASP Asamani added.
For Coach Basigi, this is more than just another job; it is about helping Ghana’s women’s football shine on the continental stage.
“Though I’m not currently contracted to any club, I’ve been assisting Police Ladies over the last two months in Winneba as a technical advisor,” Basigi said. “Two weeks ago, after the CAF regulations came out, we had discussions, and I agreed to step in as head coach temporarily. This is in the national interest because a strong showing by Police Ladies boosts the image of Ghana women’s football.”
The CAF Women’s Champions League features eight clubs: winners from each sub-zonal tournament (WAFU Zones A and B, CECAFA, UNIFFAC, UNAF, COSAFA) plus the host nation’s representative.
The main competition, staged in a tournament format, offers lucrative financial incentives.
• $150,000 for each of the eight qualifying teams
• $600,000 for the overall champions
• $400,000 for runners-up
• $350,000 for both semi-finalists
• $200,000 and $150,000 for third and fourth place in each group, respectively.
