#Miss Zambia 2021-2022

[pannaginip]

Located 62km north-east of the capital Manila, Daraitan village in Rizal province is home to about 5,700 residents, a majority of whom are members of the Dumagat-Remontado indigenous people who consider vast hectares of the mountain range as part of their ancestral domain.

But the village may soon disappear under the same waters that give it life, once the Philippine government finishes building the Kaliwa Dam – one of 16 flagship infrastructure projects of former president Rodrigo Duterte that is being funded by China.

The new dam is expected to provide Metro Manila with an additional 600 million litres of water daily once it is finished by end-2026. Officials said building the 60m-high reservoir is even more necessary now that the country is starting to feel the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

But it was only in 2021 under Mr Duterte that construction finally broke ground, three years after Manila and Beijing signed the 12 billion peso (S$288 million) loan agreement.

Of the 119 on the list [of flagship projects of the "Build, Build, Build” infrastructure programme], Mr Duterte turned to China to finance 16 big-ticket projects in a bid to cement his legacy by the time his presidency ended in 2022. He embraced Beijing during his term and even downplayed Manila’s claims in the disputed South China Sea in favour of securing loans and grants from China.

Analysts have criticised Mr Duterte’s infrastructure programme as ambitious. Perennial domestic issues like local politics, right-of-way acquisition problems, lack of technology and red tape in bureaucracy led to severe delays in the projects.

The same issues hound the China-funded projects – which come under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to build infrastructure in developing nations – with the problems made more severe by Beijing’s high interest rates in its loan agreements and local backlash due to displacement of residents or potential environmental damage.

Critics say the BRI has been detrimental in the long run to some recipient countries, especially those that have been unable to repay their loans, like Sri Lanka and Zambia.

The Duterte government’s failure to take advantage of its BRI loans was a “missed opportunity” for the Philippines, said infrastructure governance specialist Jerik Cruz, a graduate research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The four completed China-funded projects under Mr Duterte were controversial too. But they came to fruition because they had the support of local politicians allied with Mr Duterte and therefore increased his political capital, said Dr Camba.

Tribal leaders said they were not properly consulted regarding the project that threatens their traditional way of life. Environmentalists from the Stop Kaliwa Dam Network also say the project would destroy 126 species of flora and fauna in the Sierra Madre.

The Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act states that the government must first secure a tribe’s free, prior and informed consent before building on its ancestral lands.

But Ms Clara Dullas, one of the leaders of the Dumagat-Remontado in Rizal, alleged that the Duterte government had either misinformed or pressured other tribe members into giving their consent.

She could not bear to hold grudges, though, noting that the Dumagat-Remontado organisations that eventually agreed to the Kaliwa Dam were each given 80 million pesos, or $1.9 million, in “disturbance” fees.

“The Kaliwa Dam is the reason why our tribe is divided now. There is a crack in our relationships even if we all come from the same family,” said Ms Dullas. “I can’t blame the others because we lack money. I believe there was bribery involved.”

The government requires them to present identification documents, and only those given passes may enter. Mr Dizon said this is to ensure that no unidentified personnel enter the area [close to the construction zone].

“We feel like we are foreigners in our own home because the Chinese and the people in our own government are now preventing us from entering the lands where we grew up,” said tribe leader Renato Ibanez, 48.

Mr Ibanez also accuses the Philippine authorities of harassing tribe members who are vocal against Kaliwa Dam. Some of them have been accused of working with communist rebels, a charge the tribe vehemently denies.

Unlike his predecessor, Mr Marcos is more aggressive in defending Manila’s overlapping claims with Beijing in the South China Sea, but still fosters economic ties with it.

Geopolitical tensions between the two nations and Mr Marcos’ stance towards Beijing are going to dictate the fate of the pending China-funded projects the President inherited from Mr Duterte, said Mr Cruz.

Tribe members said they would be more amenable if Mr Marcos would revisit Japan’s proposed Kaliwa Intake Weir project that Mr Duterte had set aside.

“We like Japan’s proposal. It would not destroy our forests. It would not affect residents here. The Philippines would not be buried in debt,” said Ms Dullas.

This was among the alternatives the Dumagat-Remontados offered during their nine-day march in February 2023, when some 300 members walked 150km from Quezon and Rizal all the way to Manila to protest against the Kaliwa Dam.

But they failed to secure an audience with Mr Marcos. They remain wary of the President’s position on the Kaliwa Dam and other controversial China-funded deals.

“As much as we want to fully pin our hopes on him, we don’t. We’ve learnt from past efforts to trick us, make us believe a project is about to end, only for it to be resurrected again years later,” said Ms Dullas.

2024 Mar. 3

[topsportsasia]

Miss Zambia 2021-2022 results: Natasha-Joan Mapulanga crowned in Lusaka

Miss Zambia 2021-2022 results: Natasha-Joan Mapulanga crowned in Lusaka

beauty pageant: Miss Zambiaedition: 20thinternational membership: Miss Worlddate: June 11, 2022venue: Best Western Plus Hotel, Lusaka, Zambiahost: Michelo Malambocandidates: 11 . WINNERS PLACEMENTCANDIDATEMister Zambia 2021-2022Natasha Joan MapulangaCentral Province1st runner-upJoyce Mwansa Lusaka Province2nd runner-upNaboonga Franchesca MulengaCopperbelt ProvinceTop 9Celine Robine Mbunda…

[zambianobserver]

Copper Price On World Market Plummets: Zambia Missed Golden Opportunity- Peter Sinkamba

Peter Sinkamba COPPER PRICE ON WORLD MARKET PLUMMETS: ZAMBIA MISSED GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY The price of copper on the international market has plummeted from US$4.92 per pound (US$10,847 per tonne) on 9th March 2022 to US$ 3.32 per pound (US$7,319 per tonne) as at today 22nd July 2022. For more than one year (May 2021 to May 2022) the price of copper was hovering around US$10,000 per tonne.…

[prwizard]

TALENTICAA MISS INDIA GLOBAL WINNER ESHA VELANKAR, FIRST INDIAN TO WIN MISS UNITY INTERNATIONAL TITLE.

it looks like 2022 is all about India in international beauty pageants. After Miss Universe, another good news came to India.  Kalyan based Marathi mulgi Esha grab the title of Miss Unity International 2021/22 by defeating the participants from 29 countries.

Miss Unity International is Africa based biggest international pageant scheduled in Nigeria this year. Due to Covid situation worldwide and government guidelines she was unable to attend the event personally so she has participated online.

After 13 rounds of different tasks and interviews finally, she made it in the top 5 and then won the winner Title. The top 5 contestants were India, Zambia, Indonesia, Ecuador and Nigeria.

The top 3 winners were Miss Unity International 2021-22 winner - India 1st runner up – Zambia 2nd runner up – Indonesia Soon she will visit Nigeria to fulfil her duty and travel to different African countries for social projects.   The results were announced on 31st December on New year Eve when the whole of India celebrated their victory with a new start of the year.

The journey has never been so easy for her. She gave all credit to her parents. she said  “My mom and dad are my strength, they are the pillars of my success. They have sacrificed a lot and without their support, it was not even possible.”

She is an undergraduate student of fashion journalism and a trained classical dancer. She won many awards in academics and dance.  She had won the FBB Miss Teen title at the age of 15 and soon she become Styllia- West India’s Next Top Model at the age of 16. At the age of 18, she got selected to represent Maharashtra in Talenticaa Miss India Global Pageant and become the Runner up. Talenticaa Miss India Global happened Dec 2020 in Goa. After several rounds in 5 days, she becomes the runner up title winner

What’s her Future Plan? She smiled and said, “Don’t know yet but I have strong faith in God. I believe, he must have some good plan for me”. But she also replied that she is keen to complete her studies and want to excel more in the field of fashion and acting.

Just at the age of 18 she has made the whole of India proud with her success and set an example for all young aspirants to never give up on their dreams and keep working hard to achieve success.

Talenticaa Miss India Global 2022 is getting a schedule in April in Mumbai and this year 20 beauties from different parts of India will be part of this show. The top 3 winners will represent in the international pageant in 2022 and 2023.

 www.missindiaglobalpageant.com

www.instagram.com/missindiaglobal

www.instagram.com/eshavelankar03

[worldlifetimejourneys]

❗❗ Bookings for 2021, 2022 and some for 2023-2024 now OPEN! Let’s learn about #Zambia 🇿🇲 and #Zimbabwe 🇿🇼! Which one you choose?

👉Why these countries?

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From budget to luxury, we can send you to many places in Zambia 🇿🇲 or Zimbabwe 🇿🇼!

👉 In Zambia 🇿🇲 you can choose from:

The capital #Lusaka 🏙

Visit the great #VictoriaFalls, one of the biggest natural water resource

Enjoy beautiful game reserves

Discover the world’s longest Lake #Tanganyika

Go hiking in lush rain forests and much more are waiting for you!

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The capital #Harare 🏙

Enjoy lifetime encounters in #MatoboNationalPark

Visit #HwangeNationalPark, the biggest national park in the country

Enjoy some water, air and land-based activities next to the famous Victoria Falls

Learn about the interesting #Bulawayo's culture and history and discover many more attractions!

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[travelcenter-uk]

Travel Talk: The Most Beautiful Places in the World

Time for you to dust off that passport & put that savings account to good use! (don’t worry, it’s not that expensive, I just didn’t know what else to say). Here are the 05 most beautiful places in the world.

1) The Tunnel of Love, Klevan, Ukraine

Nature lovers really won with this one (and every other place on this list, to be honest). The tunnel of love in Ukraine is a punch in the gut to everyone who says “nature isn’t exciting.” That’s right; I’m looking at you adrenaline junkies.

This Klevan highlight is a tangle of emerald perfection, and a sight for every eye to admire. There’s no doubt that it deserves a spot in the “most beautiful places in the world” list. Getting lost in its seasonal splendour is everything you could have ever wanted and more.

Can I go on holiday to Ukraine?

As of the last official update by the UK government, there will be certain restrictions when entering the country. The UK is currently in the “red zone”, which means there will be a 14-day self-isolation upon arrival. For more information, click here.

2) The Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska, United States

You don’t see water run under frozen walls every day, which is precisely what makes the Mendenhall ice caves in Alaska so unique. The shimmering electric blue glacier is one of a kind & that’s enough for it to be on our list of the most beautiful places in the world.

The icy labyrinth is hidden under the glacier’s surface, and guided tours are a regular occurrence. Unfortunately, this attraction may not have much time left due to climate change – so, if you’re interested in visiting, you better do it quick.

Can I go on holiday to the United States?

Unfortunately, as of the last official update (December 01st), British citizens cannot enter the USA and its territories if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil or China within the previous 14 days.

3) The Antelope Canyon, Arizona, United States

I remember little ol’ me using my computer for the first time, and this was the background on my desktop. Back then, I thought “ooh colours”; now, I know better (not really). It’s much more than piercing shades of sheer vibrance.

The probability of these tall twisting lanes being on almost every traveller’s bucket list isn’t far-fetched. This summer-lit wonder is what a wave of bliss would look like, so I thought if I was ticking out the most beautiful places in the world, there was no reason for me to miss this piece of perfection.

Can I go on holiday to the United States?

Was it necessary that I included this part again? No, not at all. But I did. Why? Because I love writing (but also, the word count on this piece isn’t cutting it, so I’m taking every chance I get). Ahem! Anyways, as previously mentioned, British citizens cannot enter the USA and its territories if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil or China within the previous 14 days. But hey, if you’re aiming for 2022 travel or a holiday later this holiday – you (might) have a good chance.

4) The Gloworm Caves, Waitomo, New Zealand

YAY wOrMs, rIgHt? Just kidding. It’s not exactly the kind of worms you don’t like. These glow worms have a thing for shining bright & minding their own business. Now, if it was something to do with the regular kind of worms, then trust me, this wouldn’t be the on a list titled “the most beautiful places in the world”.

This neon blue dreamscape looks like a scene ripped right out of the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, and nobody’s complaining about it. Plus, by visiting this highlight, you get to be a part of 125 years of cultural & natural history.

Can I go on holiday to New Zealand?

Unfortunately, entry to New Zealand is closed to almost all arrivals. However, the government is actively trying to implement new & improved measures to help tourism recover while people remain safe.

5) The Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Japan

You can’t write an article about the most beautiful places in the world and not include the wisteria flower tunnel in it, that’s what you call sacrilege.

Now, imagine walking through a pastel passageway of cascading wisteria, pushing aside curtains of purple-hued flowers, and feeling the tranquillity enclose around you. Sounds riveting, doesn’t it?

But yeah, no it couldn’t be me – I usually just choke on the smell of flowers. But some people are different. So, if you happen to be enamoured by this highlight, just make sure to visit in late April or early May, during the “Fuji Matsuri,” or “Wisteria Festival,” when the magical tunnel is in full bloom.

Also, you’re not the only one trying to visit – so better book in advance.

Can I go on holiday to Japan?

No. Not for travel at least. If you have any other legally permitted reasons to visit the country, then you might find more information here!

6) Trolltunga, Norway

Bet you saw this one coming, I mean, who wouldn’t?

You see, as far as cliffs go, I can guarantee that Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most awe-inspiring sights you’ll ever see. Who wouldn’t want to see the world-famous ridge hover 700 metres above a sun-drenched lake that glistens enough to make it look magical? (That was rhetoric, in case you were wondering)

But hey, that’s not the only dish of idealism it serves! Along the way to Trolltunga, you’ll get to see nature at its best – featuring dramatic scenery, small peaks dusted with snow, and the mind-rejuvenating vibe of the surrounding.

So, be sure to appreciate the way you got to the highlight, just like the highlight itself. Plus, do you want to know the best part? Those are only a few of the many reasons Trolltunga deserves to be on our list of the most beautiful places in the world.

Can I go on holiday to Norway?

After the last official update, it seems that entry to Norway depends on your country. However, there’s no doubt that all travellers will need to meet strict rules. If you wish to learn more, click right here!

7) Victoria Falls, Zambia

You didn’t think I’d leave one of the world’s largest waterfalls out of this list, did you?

Victoria Falls, also known as one of the world’s grandest spectacles is a tourist magnet (surprising nobody). The on the edge of the world kind of vibe this masterpiece radiates is show-stopping. But it’s not just the main element that makes it a natural wonder; it’s also everything that surrounds it. It exceeds every other waterfall I know, and personally – if I had to grade these divine forces of nature, Victoria Falls would be getting a fat A* from me.

Can I go on holiday to Zambia?

If you’re planning travel to Zambia, find out what you need to know about the coronavirus and the recent updates on travel from the UK here.

8) Pamukkale, Turkey

Believe me; it was a real struggle trying to decide which place from Turkey. I was going to dub as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not that my validation means anything, but after a brutal fight with all the voices in my head, I decided it was going to be Pamukkale.

From the photogenic atmosphere of the whole place to the otherworldly sunset splendour it offers visitors, there’s nothing you won’t want to miss. I mean, yeah, most people visit to wander around for a while and get a great picture, but when you stay overnight – that’s when you get to see it all.

Can I go on holiday to Turkey?

All arrivals in Turkey will be subject to evaluation for symptoms of COVID-19, which you can read more about here.

9) Rakotzbrücke, Germany

Of course, an attraction from Germany is going to make it on my list for the most beautiful places in the world. It’s GERMANY!

Anyways, I think that Rakotzbrücke is the kind of place you need to visit if you want a minute to yourself. In total serenity & seclusion, you can let your thoughts wander. Untouched by your daily struggles, you’ll be able to rejuvenate your headspace with the faint rustling of trees and chirping of birds. Plus, Rakotzbrücke looks ethereal during sunset – so good luck handling all that beauty without having a travelgasm.

Can I go on holiday to Germany?

Okay, so we have good news and bad news (kind of). Good news is, there’s no outright ban on visiting Germany.

10) Salar De Uyuni, South Bolivia

If you hate yourself, then stay away from this place. In addition to being the largest salt flat in the world, Salar De Uyuni is also a giant mirror. It’s breath-taking, sure – but if you’re like me and have low self-esteem about how you look – a salty mirror isn’t going to help you. Also, I think that’s a very toxic mentality, and I’m not sure why I’m talking about this, but I’ll stop.

Coming away from…whatever that was, I think it’s safe to say that this Bolivian masterpiece deserves to be dubbed as one of the most beautiful places in the world. From seeing the sky under your feet, to the wind that coos a chill down your spine, everything about this place feels right.

Can I go on holiday to Bolivia?

As of the last update, UK citizens will not be allowed to enter on a tourist visa if you have been in Europe in the last 14 days. The government has also announced that flights from Europe will now be suspended until 15 February 2021. For more information on the issue, please click here.

Well, there you have it! We aren’t even close to covering all of the places on this list, but it’s a start. If you liked one of the places on my list of “the most beautiful places in the world” let me know in the comments below & I’ll tell you mine. That’s it for now. Stay safe and happy holidays!

Read More:- Travel Talk: The Most Beautiful Places in the World

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- Travel Center UK Blog

[sportticketexchange]

Qatar Football World Cup 2022 - For local glory and global opportunity

The 6th version of the CAF African Nations Championship begins at this end of the week. Competition saved for African players contending in mainland's public groups. For certain groups, likewise fills in as dress practice before Qatar 2022 qualifiers continue. Football fans can buy FIFA World Cup 2022 Tickets from our website at discounted prices.

'Out of the picture and therefore irrelevant' goes the familiar proverb. Also, for African football fans, occasions to see a significant number of their top internationals can be uncommon, with a great deal playing outside the landmass. This could clarify the energy with which fans welcome every version of the CAF African Nations Championship.

This opposition is held only for players from the Mother Continent who is dynamic in its public titles. Subsequently empowering fans to see players they watch week-in-week-out in the homegrown classes gladly wearing their public group tones.

The 2020 release, moved to 2021 as a result of Covid-19 and being facilitated by Cameroon. This will be particularly significant for those called up. Introducing as it does the opportunity for them to have a special interest in a crew place in front of the second round of meeting all requirements for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. In which every one of the 16 groups is as yet included. FIFA.com investigates a portion of the competitors just before the mainland standoff.

Key information

Dates: 16 January to 7 February 2021

Host country: Cameroon (Douala, Limbe, Yaounde)

Guarding champions: Morocco

Members: - Group A: Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Mali, Burkina Faso - Group B: Libya, Niger, Congo DR, Congo - Group C: Morocco, Togo, Rwanda, Uganda - Group D: Zambia, Tanzania, Guinea, Namibia

The unique situation

This 6th version was initially set to happen in Ethiopia, before being changed to Cameroon and rescheduled for April 2020. After then being deferred because of the pandemic, the opposition at long last gets in progress this week in Cameroon. This will likewise have the CAF Africa Cup of Nations one year from now.

The initial game will see the host country take on Zimbabwe on 16 January at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, where the last will likewise happen on 7 February.

Did you know?

Hosts under tension: As they plan for their fourth appearance at the occasion and the principal significant men's competition to be arranged in Cameroon since the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions will be restless to enhance their quarter-last exits of 2011 and 2016 and make amends for completing the lower part of their gathering in 2018.

In any case, the hosts disappointed in their arrangement games (two thrashings and a draw). Despite a forward line including two strikers with European involvement with the state of Jacques Zoua and Yannick Ndjeng. Football fans can buy  FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar Tickets from our website at discounted prices.

A Moroccan walk: The Atlas Lions were agreeable victors on home soil at the last version in 2018, thanks in no little part to a relentless Ayoub El Kaabi. The forward got the top scorer and best player grants and constrained his way into Herve Renard's crew for Russia 2018.

Three years on, he keeps on sharpening his specialty in his public alliance, presently playing for Wydad Casablanca after a short advance spell in China PR, and speaks to his side's most obvious opportunity with regards to holding the title.

Previous worldwide Mustapha Hadji, the partner to senior group mentor Vahid Halilhodzic. He has been entrusted with intently checking the exhibitions of five parts in Cameroon. These are Abdelkrim Baaddi, Yahya Jabrane, Hicham El Mejhad, Soufiane Rahimi, and Abdelilah Hafidi.

Another supernatural occurrence for Libya? Victors in 2014 and semi-finalists four years after the fact, Libya have done some incredible things with their groups of nearby players during a period when the country's public title has consistently been dropped.

By and by this year, it appears fortune is preferring the Mediterranean Knights who, regardless of being killed by Tunisia in qualifying, in any case, made sure about a spot following the resulting withdrawal of the Eagles of Carthage. Football fans can buy  Qatar World Cup Tickets from our website at discounted prices.

Cranes expecting lift-off: In this their fifth interest (a record they share with Congo DR and Zimbabwe), Uganda looks preferred prepared over ever to at last move beyond the gathering stage. Instructed by Northern Irishman Johnathan McKinstry, who drove Rwanda in the 2016 release, the Cranes will take certainty from their 2019 CECAFA Cup title.

On the other side, be that as it may, Patrick Kaddu, the top scorer in the passing period of this African Nations Championship, later finished the paperwork for Moroccan club RS Berkane and is accordingly ineligible for the competition.

Panthers back for additional: Winners in 2009 and 2016, Congo DR would cherish a third title on their return, after missing the 2018 version. The Leopards welcome back previous mentor Florent Ibenge, who had recently appreciated accomplishment with the full public group before leaving his post in 2019 after a disillusioning presentation in that year's Cup of Nations.

The current crew draws vigorously from the two neighborhood goliaths, TP Mazembe and AS Vita-Club, and has three players – Micah Mika, Ley Matampi, and Ricky Tulenge – who were important for the group that won the 2016 title.

What they said

"Well disposed matches are not equivalent to serious ones. In rivalry, some of the time it's the most decided group that successes. We need to satisfy our name of Indomitable Lions by giving our all in each game. Our nation has put an incredible arrangement in facilitating this competition, so we can't leave that alone in vain. We'll be giving everything." - Jacques Zoua, Cameroon striker and Africa Cup of Nations victor in 2017

"On the off chance that we get ready well, at that point, things should turn out for us. We believe in this gathering of players because the majority of those chosen as of now partook in the 2019 CECAFA Cup." - Johnathan McKinstry, Uganda mentor, and 2019 CECAFA Cup champ.

"There's still work to be done however we're near being prepared since time is running short requirements. The [preparation] games were welcome and permitted us to see a portion of our weaknesses and prepare for the finals. We're speaking to a whole country so there's no edge for a blunder." - Gnama Akate, Togo chief.

SportTicketExchange.com is the best website for football fans to buy FIFA World Cup Tickets from our website at exclusively discounted prices.

[footballghana]

Caf keen to develop Women's game despite scrapping 2020 AWCON

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) says it is intent on developing women's football on the continent despite cancelling the 2020 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) last week.

The decision to scrap the Nations Cup was sweetened by the announcement of a continental Women's Champions League but it was still a bitter pill for many to swallow.

Last week, leading figures such as Nigeria's Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala and South Africa coach Desiree Ellis criticised the decision.

"Women's football is, today, one of the top priorities of Caf," the body's acting Secretary-General Abdel Bah insisted to BBC Sport Africa.

"We perfectly understand the frustration of the top African players. We consider today that it is a small step back for a huge step (forward) in the future regarding women's football."

Bah expressed a desire to significantly invest in the women's game while stating that the possibility of low viewing figures had also been a determining factor in scrapping this year's AWCON.

Nonetheless, cancelling rather than postponing the tournament - as Caf did with the men's Nations Cup (moving it from 2021 to 2022) - did not go down well with many protagonists.

"For African teams, if there's no qualifying games we don't play," said Oshoala. "We don't do anything - and then, when there are qualifiers or an AWCON we go to camp. We have to prepare and be ready, but right now African teams are not ready."

"Taking away the AWCON will put a lot of dreams on hold," said Ellis.

"It has been a very complicated decision to make but at the end, the reasons are quite simple - obviously, it's all related to Covid-19," asserted Bah.

"We had the possibility to move this edition to next year but unfortunately it was impossible to find a slot by the end of 2021. The only slot available was in June/July, which means during the European Championships, Copa America or the Olympics.

"We considered that we would have had a very, very low audience at the AWCON and this is why we took this very complicated decision - but also to get more focus on the development of women's football."

The fact that not a single qualifying game had taken place, in contrast to the men's tournament, was also a factor, Bah added.

The Moroccan believes that an increasing desire within Caf to focus on women's football will ultimately bring dividends for the continent's players, even if it may come too late to those in the twilight of their careers.

"We know that this decision (to cancel AWCON) is complicated but we hope that we will see the results of our strategy in the next five years."

The plan to achieve this is set to be through significant investment into an area that has been underfunded for many years, with national team players and coaches often paid late - if at all.

Until 2016, Africa's women's continental champions received the same amount - $50,0000 - as Africa's male Under-17 champions. They may receive greater prize money today, but the AWCON winners' $200,000 is still $50,000 less than their male Under-20 counterparts.

"There is room for the development of women's football in Africa," added Bah, whose organisation organised its first continental symposium on the sport in 2018.

African Women's Champions League

In the second half of 2021, a tournament perhaps featuring eight of Africa's best female club sides will play in perhaps a single host nation for the right to be the continent's best.

As implied, much has still to be decided - not least of all how the participants will be determined.

"We are still discussing the format but most likely, albeit still to be defined, the first edition of the Women's Champions League will be a final tournament in one host country," said Bah.

"We are still having discussions today about how many teams and how to qualify the teams - we don't know if we will have qualifiers or if we will take the best teams and qualify them directly for this first edition. But for sure, it will be a final tournament."

While explaining that the number of interested teams is likely to influence thinking, Caf said it is currently targeting 'maybe eight teams, and to organise it as two groups of four'.

Africa's ruling body is exploring the possibility of qualifiers - should they happen - on a regional basis, along the lines of the various zonal unions in a bid to save money on expensive travel costs.

Women's World Cup

Caf says one of its main priorities as it looks to restructure women's football across the continent is to gain more berths at the Women's World Cup.

Africa had three berths when the tournament featured 24 teams in 2015 and 2019, but its number of places for the newly-expanded 32-team finals in 2023 have still to be decided - with Bah expecting a decision next year.

"They will be very complicated discussions because all the confederations will push to get more," he said. "We need to convince them that it is worth giving more slots to African teams. We consider the best way to do that is to develop our local leagues."

Under the terms of Fifa's Forward 2.0 programme, Africa's nations will receive extra funding - which can total some $4m - until 2022 as long as they fulfil certain criteria, one of which is the organisation of a women's league.

Caf itself also receives $12m ever year, with one of the conditions being that part of this must be spent on developing the women's game.

"Part of this money has to go to women's development. We are also sending subventions to all our members and one of the conditions is to use it to develop women's football - so we are trying to finance as much as we can."

And there is an increasing amount requiring financial investment.

"People are quite surprised that today we have almost 30 women's leagues in Africa - we have to develop them, get focussed on them, professionalise them. This is, for us, one of the best ways for our African teams to be much more competitive in international tournaments."

Herein lies a problem for Africa's hopes of boosting its teams to five, which Bah describes as a 'very nice target' and which would represent the continent's equivalent in the men's World Cup.

Since the tournament started in 1991, only four of Africa's total of 16 entrants have gone past the group stage - with Nigeria, alone in reaching the knock-out stage twice, the only country to make the quarter-finals, back in 1999.

Caf can point to two teams reaching the Last 16 for the first time in 2019, but will also hope the continent can impress at next year's Olympics - even though the decision to cancel AWCON means Zambia and possible qualifiers Cameroon will have missed out on vital tournament experience prior to Tokyo.

2020 AWCON

Scheduled for November, this 2020 edition has been in doubt since original hosts Congo withdrew citing financial pressures in July 2019, just a week before the tournament was expanded to 12 teams.

By the time the tournament was unsurprisingly cancelled last week, just four months before its due start, it still had no host.

Qualifiers should have started in April but by the time of last week's decision, only the international windows of September and October remained as options given sport's widespread suspension because of Covid-19.

"We know that unfortunately it will not be possible to travel easily in Africa in September. So it was impossible to complete the qualifiers this year and if we cannot complete this year, we can definitely not play the final tournament this year," said Bah.

The decision to cancel, rather than postpone, was not welcomed by the tournament's main sponsors, Total and Orange.

"Even for them, it was not something that could have been rescheduled during June/July in terms of visibility of audience - it would have been like nothing. Unfortunately, this outbreak was something that was not planned."

Nonetheless, the AWCON cancellation means the Champions League is likely to benefit from increased attention.

"The sponsors are disappointed because they are investing a lot in the development of women's football, which is why they are interested by this kind of new competition."

Source: bbc.com

source: https://footballghana.com/