Experienced tactician Yussif Basigi is set to lead Police Ladies FC into the upcoming WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, as the club prepares for its debut on the continental stage in Côte d’Ivoire later this month.

The decision comes after current head coach Abu Kassim Tabasu was deemed ineligible to serve as head coach in the CAF competition due to licensing requirements. Although Kassim masterminded Police Ladies’ historic Ghana Women’s Premier League title win — defeating defending champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a thrilling final — his CAF License B qualification falls short of the A-License requirement needed to take charge in continental tournaments.

“I’m not going to lead the team [at the qualifiers] tactically or technically because I’m not qualified to be the head coach in Africa,” Kassim admitted during the club’s Media Day at their training ground at Awutu Winton SHS Park. “That is why Coach Basigi is here. He’s going to be in charge when we go there.”

Basigi, one of the most respected names in Ghanaian women’s football, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He famously guided Hasaacas Ladies to the finals of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021, finishing as runners-up to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Police Ladies will face a stern test in Côte d’Ivoire, where they will compete against some of the region’s finest: Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), AS GNN (Niger), USFA (Burkina Faso), ASKO (Togo), and Sam Nelly (Benin).

With Basigi at the helm and Kassim providing valuable support, Police Ladies are dreaming big as they step onto the continental stage for the very first time.