South African Football Association (SAFA) COO Lydia Monyepao has revealed what makes Banyana Banyana more successful than the other national teams.
Undoubtedly Banyana Banyana have been a cut above the rest in terms of leaving a mark for South Africa on the continental and international arena.
They recently won the Women’s African Cup of Nations, with some of the national team players stepping up to the plate at Mamelodi Sundowns ladies.
As a result of this immense progress, SAFA empowered the girl child by coming up with level pay structures for Banyana Banyana and their male counterparts.
SAFA NEEDS SPONSORS TO MAINTAIN EQUAL PAY
And Monyepao believes that the financial upgrade will probably be Banyana’s main motivation in the future.
“We are paying Banyana Banyana the same as Bafana Bafana. Whether it is a friendly or qualifier, it is the same. That is where we are right now, and we still need more sponsors to come on board to maintain that,” Manyepao told the media in Durban.
“We are looking at other companies that may come on board, obviously with Sasol having a final word on what kind of sponsors and rights we give to other companies that may come on board. There are interests. Is it a matter of closing those deals before the excitement goes down”.
WHAT MAKES BANYANA SPECIAL
At this point, what leaves a lot of questions lingering in the fact that Banyana Banyana are successful while their male counterparts are stagnant.
Bafana Bafana are struggling to make a lasting impression on the African continent.
The SAFA COO, however COO reserved his comments about Bafana Bafana but was full of praises for the reigning Women Africa Cup of Nations champions.
“I cannot say much about Bafana Bafana but from a Banyana Banyana perspective.
“It is all about the environment the girls are in. I was speaking earlier in the summit that having more universities on board means girls that are participating in those teams have got proper nutrition.
“‘Proper facilities and training because universities put a lot of money on development and training of their players, the others are struggling because they are taking from their own pockets”.
Monyepao added: “Honestly, the gents are not enough to maintain the needs of a club. It is a struggle for clubs to give the same attention as university clubs, and with a new university set to come on board, that means more players will get proper training.
“Sports science has done wonders in the progress of Women’s football. The girls are monitored very well in everything they do and what they eat.
“Their diet is well controlled, and that is what has benefited Banyana Banyana. Well-conditioned, and coach Desiree Ellis finds them in an incredible shape.”
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