South Africa’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, found themselves at the centre of controversy and criticism for their demands ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Why Banyana Banyana boycotted Botswana match
The team’s decision to boycott a warm-up match against Botswana and their subsequent demands for better financial arrangements have stirred strong reactions.
The women’s national team cited concerns over the unsuitability of Tsakane Stadium, the designated match venue, which they deemed unfit for international football due to its clay and grass surface.
Fearing potential injuries that could jeopardise their participation in the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the 2022 WAFCON winners expressed a desire to play at more prestigious venues such as Soccer City in Johannesburg or Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
However, their decision to boycott the match backfired, with Botswana taking advantage of the situation and securing a resounding 5-0 victory against a lineup that included inexperienced players, including a 13-year-old.
The defeat proved embarrassing for Banyana Banyana, who had expressed a desire for tougher opponents in their preparations.
Criticism has been levied at the team by football officials, with one anonymous senior South African Football Association (SAFA) official labelling the players as “mercenaries” and “traitors,” per AFP.
SAFA slams Banyana demand $51 000 Women’s FIFA World Cup payout
The controversy surrounding the team extends beyond the venue issue, as Banyana Banyana has also voiced dissatisfaction with the financial arrangements leading up to the World Cup.
Players from 2022 CAF ‘Coach of the Year‘ Desiree Ellis‘s camp claim that while FIFA will provide each participant with $30, 000 (R565, 537) for their presence at the tournament, SAFA has not offered any additional financial support.
Reports suggest that the players have refused to sign pre-tournament contracts, demanding an extra $21 000 (R395 876) per player from the national association.
In essence, Banyana Banyana’s rebuttal would entitle each player to $51 000 (est. R958 486) for merely participating in the competition.
In response, Gronie Hluyo, SAFA’s chief financial officer, has criticised the team’s demands, describing them as unreasonable.
Hluyo compared the proposed FIFA contribution to the previous financial support provided to national teams, emphasising that Banyana Banyana’s current benefits exceed what was given to the men’s senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
This recent controversy follows reports of a chaotic event in Pretoria where the World Cup squad was announced. The absence of political invitees, technical malfunctions, and blank screens during the live broadcast further added to the team’s ongoing challenges.
With departure to New Zealand imminent, Banyana Banyana finds themselves in the midst of a difficult period as they prepare to face Sweden, Argentina, and Italy in the group stage of the World Cup.
The coming days will determine whether a resolution can be reached between the players and SAFA, ensuring that the team can focus on their upcoming matches and make the nation proud.