Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has spoken out about the boycott by her players for their FIFA World Cup send-off match. The players have decided against honouring the fixture at Tsakane Stadium. This is due to challenges regarding bonuses and the state of the pitch at the facility.
As it stands, the players are being addressed by the SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao at their hotel in Parktown. In the meantime, SAFA has made a makeshift team to honour the fixture. Besides the Women’s World Cup squad boycott, Ellis is taking charge of the makeshift squad for the match.
DESIREE ELLIS REACT TO BANYANA BANYANA BOYCOTT
“We had to put a team on the field so we had to have a team on the field today,” Ellis told SABC Sports TV before the match.
“We have a team and we will be ready to play,” said a teary-eyed Elis. “Once we get the game out of the way obviously we will sit down and see the way forward.”
A MAKESHIFT SQUAD ARRANGED FOR BOTSWANA FRIENDLY
Meanwhile, SAFA football manager Mzwandile Maforvane admits the association had to come up with a plan following the challenges faced.
“There are challenges that we had with regard to the team and I believe the governance structure of SAFA was dealing with those issues. But ours was to deal with the game,” he also told SABC Sports.
“What was important was for the coach to have the team that was going to come and play here. To honour the supporters that are here and to honour the game. The main interest was to come and watch the game which I believe the team the coach has are players that are capable of representing the team anytime and any day.”
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan is also scheduled to have a meeting with the Banyana players on Sunday. Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has also promised to address the issue before Tuesday.
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