SAFA reportedly held an urgent NEC meeting on Sunday morning to discuss the Banyana Banyana issue. As it stands, the Banyana FIFA Women’s World Cup squad has threatened to boycott the friendly match scheduled for 15:00.
The squad have raised their concerns over the poor pitch conditions at the venue. The camp is also marred by a bonus scandal against the Association. The players want part of the R30 million SAFA will get from their 2023 World Cup participation.
This is despite the R570 000 that each player stands to get for being part of the squad heading to Australia and New Zealand.
SAFA ADDRESSING BANYANA BANYANA ISSUES
The latest from the camp is that the team have stood their ground and insists on not playing the match. The Association has allegedly threatened to come up with a makeshift team to honour the fixture.
At the time of writing, the Banyana Banyana team were still at their hotel base in Parktown while SAFA were still locked in a meeting to resolve the matter. The fixture is scheduled for 15:00.
STATEMENT FROM MINISTER OF SPORTS
They are also set to face Costa Rica in their last preparation match on 15 July in Christchurch. Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Zizi Kodwa has also issued a statement on the matter. Kodwa says he has arranged a meeting with SAFPU on Tuesday to hear about the players’ grievances.
“We are 18 days away from the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 July 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. It has come to my attention that there are serious concerns that have been expressed by Banyana Banyana, the South African women’s national football team, which have been brought to the attention of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Football Players Union (SAPFU).
“I have been in contact with the President of SAFA, Dr Danny Jordaan and have received written communication from the SAPFU. In the meantime, I urge the team to be focused on the major task that lies ahead. Taking every opportunity to prepare to participate and display their immense skill and talent in one of the biggest sporting showcases in the world, the FIFA World Cup. Banyana Banyana have endeared themselves to the South African Nation and continent. They have also been great sports ambassadors that inspire so many in the sporting fraternity.”
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