AFP reports that Banyana Banyana were called "mercenaries" and "traitors" on Sunday as they boycotted a warm-up match against Botswana ahead of Fifa Women's World Cup later this month.
But, SA’s senior women's national team said the match venue in Tsakane township, 50 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg, was unsuitable for international football. They believed playing on a surface of clay and grass could lead to injuries, and rule them out of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (from 20 July to 20 August). Banyana wanted to play their final preparatory game before flying to Oceania at a more prestigious venue like Soccer City in Johannesburg or Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Football officials called up players, including a 13-year-old, from a local league and delayed the kick-off by one hour before Botswana exploited their inexperienced rivals to win 5-0. The result against opponents ranked 96 places below SA was a major embarrassment as World Cup squad members said before the boycott that they wanted "stronger" opponents. Apart from the venue and opposition, Banyana are unhappy with the financial arrangements ahead of the World Cup. According to the players, they will receive $30,000 (R565,537) each from FIFA for being at the World Cup, but nothing from the SA Football Association (Safa). Banyana reacted by refusing to sign pre-tournament contracts, saying they wanted an additional R395,876 per player from the national association. Banyana are due to leave for New Zealand in two groups, on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by News24
- Read too, Safa organises Banyana replacements for match against Botswana as World Cup pay-row escalates, at The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page