The Slay-Ballers Campaign was developed to bring awareness of the superb and special achievements and activities being done by women all around the world. There are many aspects women are blazing personal torches, but few of them shine as brightly as the ones in the sports arena, especially in football. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is one of many events that embody this campaign, and the 2023 edition promises more than just awareness for every lover of football out there.

Sweden plays South Africa in one of many big dog/small dog encounters where the small team will be looking to upset the apple cart and turn the tide around. South Africa is by no means a small team, having won the WAFCON to qualify for the World Cup. They are by no means strangers to disappointment, however, as it took them six tries to claim the coveted African trophy and finished with zero wins and points from their last World Cup campaign. However, this is their second consecutive World Cup, and with a similar squad that surely has acquired more experience, they will be seeking a more respectable outing this time. Their key players will be Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia, players who are not strangers to goalscoring. There have been preparatory issues regarding payment bonuses, however, culminating in the whole team refusing to step on the pitch against Botswana for a warm-up match.

Sweden will be looking to start their World Cup campaign on a good note. Currently ranked third, the team boasts quality in every area, and Caroline Seger (FC Rosengard), Fridolina Rolfo (Wolfsburg), and Stina Blackenius (Arsenal) will be looking to spearhead their cup challenge. Sweden is no stranger to this competition, having been ever-present since its inception. They are the only team among the top three FIFA-ranked teams to not have won the trophy, having come thrice in third place and second place once since the first World Cup. They will be looking to get their hands on the trophy in a bid to cement their spot as part of the elite in this category, after having qualified for the tournament without losing a single game.
Sweden is surely a clear favorite in this encounter, but since football always serves up surprises every now and then, we should be expecting one or two surprises. We pray for favor for the African continent and ask that the football god looks our way this time. No matter the result, it will surely prove to be as exciting and as fulfilling as a classic World Cup match should be, regardless of gender.