Two footballers from South Africa achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first players from their nation to be appointed to the FIFPro Global Player Council, securing a place on the prestigious global stage.
Former Banyana Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bafana Bafana left back Terrence Mashego are the first players from South Africa to be selected for the FIFPRO Global Player Council for the 2025/2027 period.
FIFPRO has relaunched its Global Player Council, which now includes 37 male and female footballers from around the world. The council aims to give players a stronger voice in shaping the future of the game.
Mashego and Seoposenwe will rub shoulders with prominent players such as Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine World Cup winner; Crystal Dunn, a USA Olympic and World Cup champion. Lucy Bronze of England, a five-time Women’s Champions League winner; and national team captains like Chris Wood of New Zealand and Jackson Irvine of Australia.
Additionally, the council features figures such as Marshall Munetsi, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder and Zimbabwe captain. This emphasises its diverse and international outlook on football.
The Council, established in 2019, provides a platform for experienced international professionals to discuss openly issues affecting their careers. It ensures that viewpoints from both men’s and women’s football across various continents and competitions are acknowledged.
MILESTONE FOR TERRENCE MASHEGO AND JERMAINE SEOPOSENWE
This development marks a significant milestone in local football, with both players expected to contribute to ensuring that the voices of African footballers are heard on a global stage.
The Banyana legend Seoposenwe reacted to the development on Tuesday. She recently retired from international football after earning over 100 caps for the South Africa National Women’s Team,
She wrote: “[I am] so proud to be joining FIFPRO Global Players Council and to represent Africa. I’m really looking forward to helping bring change and learn from this amazing group of people. Together, we have the power to effect change.”
Mashego also expressed excitement at representing the continent on the Council via an Instagram story. The Mamelodi Sundowns defender, on loan at Durban City FC, will be expected to work closely with domestic player unions. His role will be to ensurep players’ representation at the international level is rooted in the support and guidance of their national associations.
Mashego, a law student, sees this opportunity as a way to leverage the platform to positively influence the game. He also wants to ensure that players’ voices are heard in key decision-making processes within football.
Meanwhile, FIFPRO secretary general Alex Phillips said the selected players had demonstrated leadership on and off the pitch.
“We’re proud to have them as members of FIFPRO’s Global Player Council. Footballers hold the power to shape their industry for the better,” Phillips said. He praised the players for devoting their time and effort to advocating and defending the rights of their colleagues “with such passion and courage.”
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