Banyana camp dispute suggests SAFA still don’t take women’s football seriously

The latest news coming out of the Banyana Banyana camp as they prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title is concerning, and fingers should once again be pointed at the South African Football Association.

According to reports, the players boycotted a number of training sessions during the week as they had some outstanding payments. It’s something that’s not new in South African football.

Prior to the previous tournament, in Morocco like this year’s one, the players went on strike to let SAFA know they were not happy with the bonuses they would be getting for being at the competition.

It was an ugly saga that never should have happened. To their credit, the team rose above the storm and came back home with the trophy.

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One would think that SAFA would have learned lessons from back then and made sure that preparations for this year’s tournament would go on without any major issues. But that’s a bit of a stretch.

Addressing the situation, SAFA vice-president Linda Zwane said they had dealt with it “swiftly.” “It was made known to us. It’s a minor issue. The payments of the previous games that they played, particularly the Malawi game, which the association had undertaken to address – that particular matter.

“So, there is an agreement that has been reached with the team through their captain [Refiloe Jane]. As far as we are concerned, that particular matter is now buried. The association has made commitments to address that, making sure that players continue with preparations.”

That things got this far suggests SAFA care very little about the women’s game. There is also the issue with head coach Desiree Ellis’ contract, which has yet to be renewed after expiring in 2024.

SAFA say “the contract is in place but awaits guidance from the technical committee on a reappointment.” Surely this is something that should have been dealt with last year when they knew her contract would be up soon.

It’s hard to shake the feeling that Banyana Banyana’s success is being taken for granted. The players have proven time and again that they can rise above adversity, but they shouldn’t have to.

If SAFA are serious about progress and pride in the women’s game, then it must start treating these champions with the respect, planning, and professionalism they’ve more than earned.

Anything less sends a clear message – that even triumph on the continental stage isn’t enough to earn the basic dignity of proper support. South African football cannot continue to rely on the resilience of its women while failing them behind the scenes.

IOL Sport

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