New FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Jessica Williams believes a lack of coverage and reliable data is denying more South African women footballers opportunities abroad.
The 26-year-old recently earned a contract with the Danish giants after impressing during a two-and-a-half-week trial. But she believes many equally talented players back home remain invisible to overseas clubs.
Williams says international teams want more than recommendations when assessing potential signings. They need footage, statistics and evidence of consistent performances.
“The biggest challenge is exposure. Overseas clubs want data. They want to know how many saves a goalkeeper has made, how many goals a player has scored and how consistently they have performed,” Williams told SAFJA journalists during a virtual session.
“Without sufficient coverage and reliable data, it becomes difficult for clubs to assess South African players.
“With better coverage, many more South African players could earn opportunities abroad because we have exceptional talent in the country.”
COSAFA MOMENT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Williams’ own career underlines the importance of visibility. She attracted widespread attention at the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship after scoring a stunning long-range free-kick.
She had produced similar moments for Badgers in domestic football, but they largely went unnoticed.
“The COSAFA tournament helped me tremendously because it gave me exposure,” she explained.
“I had been doing the same things in league matches for Badgers, including scoring goals from around the halfway line, but those moments were not always seen.
“The ability was there long before COSAFA. The difference was that people could finally see it. They saw that I could strike the ball and that I was brave enough to take risks.”
The moment boosted Williams’ confidence and introduced her ability to a wider audience. Some of her new Copenhagen teammates had even seen footage of the goal before she arrived in Denmark.
CALLS TO PROFESSIONALISE SA LEAGUE
FC Copenhagen Head of Women’s Football Romaney Pinnock agrees that South Africa has enough talent to export more players, but believes the domestic game must urgently address its structural shortcomings.
Pinnock, who previously worked at SAFA and remains involved with Badgers Football Academy, wants the Hollywoodbets Super League to become fully professional.
“The sooner the Hollywoodbets Super League is formally professionalised, the better,” said Pinnock.
“We need minimum standards governing salaries so that players at every club can earn a living wage. Players must also be provided with everything they need to perform professionally. That requires proper investment from sponsors, partners and SAFA.”
Pinnock believes overseas clubs currently offer players better tactical, physical and mental development. While that experience can strengthen Banyana Banyana, she wants South Africa to build a league where women can establish sustainable careers at home.
“The simple answer is investment,” she added. “We need political will, investment from SAFA and greater support from sponsors and commercial partners.”
Pinnock will continue monitoring South African players, whose flair, courage and creativity she believes make them attractive internationally.
Williams, meanwhile, hopes her move shows other local goalkeepers what is possible—provided their talent can be seen.
“What I am doing is not impossible for other South African goalkeepers to achieve,” she said.