The global landscape of sports is evolving rapidly, yet African athletes often remain underrepresented in medical literature. A recent cross-sectional study has addressed this gap by establishing women's football research priorities within the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) region. By utilizing the stakeholder theory framework, researchers gathered perspectives from players, coaches, and medical personnel to ensure that future investigations align with real-world clinical and performance needs.

Top Women's Football Research Priorities

The study surveyed 141 respondents across 10 countries, identifying five critical pillars for future exploration. Developing youth players emerged as the highest priority, endorsed by 82% of participants. This focus on the "pipeline" is followed closely by optimizing physical conditioning (79%) and understanding female-specific health issues (76%). Additionally, improving technical skills (75%) and injury rehabilitation (75%) were highlighted as essential areas for scientific focus.

Clinical and Performance Needs

While researchers often drive the agenda, stakeholders emphasize practical outcomes. For instance, injury rehabilitation—specifically how to "come back stronger"—ranked as a top concern for many. This focus aligns with broader sports medicine trends where female athletes face unique risks, such as higher ACL injury rates and specific nutritional needs like the "female athlete triad." Consequently, identifying these women's football research priorities is a vital step toward professionalizing the sport across Africa.

Furthermore, the allocation of hypothetical funding revealed a strong desire for technical skill improvement and youth development. These insights suggest that clinicians and sports scientists should bridge the gap between academic theory and the practicalities of the pitch. Therefore, researchers must collaborate with football stakeholders to drive meaningful progress in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is stakeholder input critical in sports medicine research?

Stakeholder input ensures that research addresses the actual problems faced by players and coaches on the field, rather than just academic interests. This collaboration leads to more relevant clinical guidelines and performance strategies.

What are the primary health concerns for female footballers in Africa?

According to stakeholders in the COSAFA region, key health concerns include managing female-specific issues, physical conditioning, and optimizing rehabilitation protocols to ensure athletes return to play effectively after an injury.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a professional relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Chibhabha F et al. Setting the research agenda for Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) women's football: stakeholder perspectives. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Apr 17. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01692-y. PMID: 41998748.


2. Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal. Female Athlete Health in Women’s Football. July 10, 2023.


3. FIFA. FIFA Female Health Project: Health, performance and well-being of female players. October 01, 2025.