Six months later, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are still waiting for the R1 million cheque promised to them after winning the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Following their historic triumph in the maiden continental club tournament, the Ministry of Sport, Art and Culture pledged to reward the Banyana Ba Style with R1 million.
Along with the cash incentive, Downs Ladies received a certificate during a ceremony held at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton after beating Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies 2-0 in the final last year in November.
Officials at the Tshwane giants last week revealed to FARPost that the department is yet to release the funds.
“We haven’t received a single cent from the department. It’s been six months now,” a club official told FARPost.
“The players feel like the club received the money and doesn’t want to give it to them, which is a bit unfair. There should be some sort of communication from the department so that the players are aware of what the situation is.”
FARPost sought answers from Mthethwa’s spokesperson Masechaba Ndlovu, who promised to provide a response on Wednesday. When this publication followed up on Friday, she did not respond.
Women’s football continues to grow in the country, and the incentive would have gone a long way in encouraging the players.
The Downs official added: “We all know there’s not much money in women’s football. If the ladies get what they were promised – it will be a huge motivation for them to go all out and defend their CAF Champions League title.”
According to the official, the club provided the necessary documentation requested by the Sports department to release the funds. However, the Minister’s office has not said a word in response.
Morocco will host the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League. Another North African country, Egypt, hosted the first edition in Cairo. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce the dates for this year’s edition with eight teams expected to compete for the top prize.
By Mpumi Manyisi
