The FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand kicks off on Thursday, July 20. A preview of South Africa’s group at the tournament. Photo: Backpagepix
Watch: Banyana coach delivers terse interview following player revolt
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis had to face the media after turning up at the stadium with a hastily assembled replacement team.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand kicks off on Thursday, July 20. A preview of South Africa’s group at the tournament. Photo: Backpagepix
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa Zizi Kodwa will meet with the Banyana Banyana squad after members of the national team boycotted their friendly match against Botswana on Sunday.
Players raised protests over the standard of opposition and the facilities at the SAFA-appointed venue, the Tsakane Stadium.
Banyana Banyana coach fields questions
Facing potential backlash from their opponents, officials scrambled to put together some sort of team to face Botswana.
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The player mutiny started brewing once Banyana players had trained on the Tsakane Stadium surface and found it to be sub-standard.
The Tsakane Stadium is not accredited to host Premier Soccer League matches, let alone internationals and the decision to play this fixture at a venue that poses a risk to the health of the World Cup squad is one that must be interrogated.
Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis had little to say on the matter.
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Minister of Sport steps in
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Kodwa has stepped in to request an update on the preparations of the squad.
He said: “We are 18 days away from the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 July 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. It has come to my attention that there are serious concerns that have been expressed by Banyana Banyana, the South African women’s national football team, which have been brought to the attention of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Football Players Union (SAPFU).”
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Kodwa will meet with the squad in the coming week.
“I have been in contact with the President of SAFA, Dr Danny Jordaan and have received written communication from SAPFU,” he added.
“In the meantime, I urge the team to be focused on the major task that lies ahead – of taking every opportunity to prepare to participate and display their immense skill and talent on one of the biggest sporting showcases in the world, the FIFA World Cup.
“Banyana Banyana have endeared themselves to the South African Nation and continent and have also been great sports ambassadors that inspire so many in the sporting fraternity.
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“To obtain a status update on the state of readiness of Banyana Banyana’s participation at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, I will be meeting with the South Africa Football Players Union on Tuesday 4 July 2023 to hear the serious concerns expressed by the team. The meeting with SAPFU will consider issues pertaining to government’s commitment and support to the team, the teams working, welfare and health conditions, including transparency and accountability related to the signing of contracts. (Valium)
“Women’s development, women’s agency and voice, and women’s dignity in sport remains at the centre of the government’s gender equality agenda. Women players are assured of a safe environment to raise their concerns without fear of victimization.”
