‘Come through’: Anele tells corporates to sponsor Banyana Banyana

Whilst Banyana Banyana’s victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was a win for women’s football in South Africa, it was a stark reminder that the sport needs more financial backing.

From wage and bonus disparages to lack of funding, sponsorships, and supporters in stands, social media users are calling on the country to step up collectively.

And one celeb backing this whole-heartedly is Anele Mdoda who has called on corporate companies to put their money where their mouth is. 

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ANELE WANTS CORPORATES TO SUPPORT BANYANA BANYANA

Following their win, and qualification to go to the 2023 Fifa World Cup, tweeps called on sponsors to back Banyana Banyana.

Anele – who recently joined Supersport – tweeted: “Corporates also have to come through with something for the Banyana Banyana. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, where are the car sponsorships? Pick and Pay, Woolies, Momentum, First for Women, Discovery? Magazines: Here are your cover stars so we send them to the World Cup full!” .

And many tweeps agreed with the media personality and suggested different ways ordinary South Africans could rally behind the team.

@Nhlaka_niphoo: “Women should start by supporting the women’s game, go to the stadiums, watch the games, buy the jerseys, tweet the hashtags then brands will come.

@DJfuno: “As women, we need to come up with ways to celebrate our girls. Dedicate August to them. Wear a Banyana jersey on Friday with all profits from the sales going to this team. We must do it for ourselves”

@AyaGatyen: “Even the Department of Women should do something for once”

@siphiwelouis: “I would love to see more bums in the seats when Banyana play”

Twitter

Mmusi Maimane and Pearl Thusi also called on the Minister of Sports, Art & Culture Nathi Mthethwa to donate millions of Rands intended for “unnecessary” projects towards Banyana Banyana.

Mmusi tweeted: “Rather than seeking to use R22 million on flags that light up at night, @NathiMthethwaSA as the minister you should be funding the amazing Banyana team that made the nation proud. Let us set a standard by fully supporting the careers of these winners and women’s soccer”.

Rather than seeking to use R22 million on flags that light up at night, @NathiMthethwaSA as the minister you should be funding the amazing #BanyanaBanyana team that made the nation proud.

Let us set a standard by fully supporting the careers of these winners and women’s soccer pic.twitter.com/NZp8h2cdYm

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) July 24, 2022

Pearl added: “Take the money for the flag and arrange a parade, pay them and invest in women’s football sir. Your tweets mean absolutely nothing to the people your ministry serves”.

https://twitter.com/PearlThusi/status/1551116205473370112

DESIREE ELLIS: ‘WE’VE GOT TO INVEST IN WOMEN’

Joining social media users and SA stars was Banyana Banyana coach and former player Desiree Ellis.

Speaking to Morning Live on Monday 25 July, Desiree called on corporates to join existing sponsors of Sasol and Hollywoodbets.

She said: “It’s not enough. We need more sponsors to come on board to make sure that we take it to another level, that clubs don’t struggle and are able to pay their players. If we want to move with these countries that are investing [in women’s soccer], we’ve got to invest as well.

“We’ve hope now that we’ve shown our true qualities, that there will be more corporates to join to make sure that we elevate women’s football in the country. We surely have the talent, but talent alone is not going to keep you amongst the best”.