FIFA honour for trailblazing SA coach and former Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Shilene Booysen

Trailblazing South African coach Shilene Booysen has once again made history as she steps into the spotlight, leading Afghan Women United during the FIFA United: Women’s Series 2025 in Morocco.

As an assistant coach who has carved out an impactful career in female coaching, the Cape Town-born Booysen combines her extensive experience with a passionate dedication to nurturing young female talent in a realm often marred by adversity.

Currently, Booysen serves alongside head coach Scot Pauline Hamill with the FIFA-sponsored Afghan Women United, a team that serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. They carefully selected and developed a groundbreaking squad of talented female players, who have come together to participate in international competition for the first time in over four years.

With Hamill unavailable for personal reasons, Booysen took the reins for their matches this week, showcasing her leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the development of women’s football.

Reflecting on the team’s debut match against Chad, which did not go their way, Booysen emphasised the significance of this experience.

“The first match was a milestone for the girls; it was their first time playing together internationally,” she said, in a post-match interview with fifa.com.

“We are ready to learn and take another important step forward in the development of this team.” Her recognition of the match’s importance underscored not only the performance but also the journey of empowerment and struggle each player has faced to reach this level.

Beyond her role with Afghan Women United, Booysen’s coaching credentials are extensive. She has made significant contributions as a member of Desiree Ellis’ South African women’s national team backroom, played a pivotal role in establishing the South Sudan women’s national team, and led Egypt’s Wadi Degla SC in the Women’s Premier League.

Moreover, she serves as a FIFA Technical Expert focused on coach education and high-performance development, ensuring that her commitment to advancing women’s football continues in various capacities.

Despite the challenging contexts she often encounters, Booysen’s methodology focuses on growth and development — both in skills and professionalism — in African women’s football. She wields a remarkable ability to marry data-driven strategies with a profound understanding of players’ psychological and emotional needs.

“This programme has shown me that it’s not just football. I’m standing next to a group of players who have fought for themselves and for the country,” Booysen remarked, highlighting that the significance of their participation goes far beyond the scorelines.

This blend of analytical skills and empathetic mentorship has cemented Booysen’s reputation as a pioneer in women’s coaching, positioning her as a leading force in reshaping the African football landscape. With each match, she continues to inspire not only her players but also the next generation of coaches and aspiring athletes, illuminating the path towards a brighter future in women’s sports.

Shilene Booysen is proving that women’s football in Africa is not just about the game—it’s about resilience, empowerment, and paving the way for future generations. Discover how her journey is shaping the narratives of young female athletes facing unprecedented challenges in the sport.