Banyana to boycott the World Cup send-off match?

FARPost has gathered that the Banyana Banyana players have threatened to boycott their FIFA Women’s World Cup send-off match against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday, 02 July 2023.

The match will be the last for the team on home soil before they depart to Australia and New Zealand. 

But the news coming from the camp is that the WAFCON Champions players are not happy with how the SAFA has handled their preparations. This includes the bonus issue.

The Banyana players have since approached the South African Football Players Union [SAFPU] to represent them on their grievances.

A meeting between SAFPU and the entire Banyana team took place on Thursday at their camp in Parktown. This also includes a separate meeting with the technical team members. 

BANYANA BANYANA TO BOYCOTT SEND-OFF? 

This publication has reliably been informed that amongst others, the players are against playing the match at the Tsakane Stadium.

The players are allegedly of the view that the Tsakane stadium poses a serious threat to them [in terms of injuries] as it is not in good condition. Especially days before an important tournament. 

The players are allegedly uncomfortable with the venue. They fear they could suffer serious injuries that can lead to them missing out on the World Cup or losing contracts at their respective clubs, especially in Europe.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP BONUS ISSUE 

Despite the guaranteed R 5 70 000 from FIFA for each player. The Banyana players also want the association fork out bonuses for the team. SAFA are guaranteed around R30 million for Banyana’s group stage participation. But they have not announced any intention to reward the players outside of the FIFA bonuses. 

It is also alleged that the Banyana staff members are not happy with the daily allowance. This is despite SAFA coming out to say the bonus structure will now be equal to that of Bafana. As it is now the Banyana staff members have allegedly been promised R 1200 per day. This is compared to the R 4 000 at Bafana.

PLAYING MERCHANDISE 

SAFA has reportedly allocated four jerseys for the entire tournament for each player. But the players want more playing jerseys because at some stage they will need to swap with players from other nations.

FARPost has reliably been informed that SAFPU have already written to SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and the Minister of Sports Zizi Kodwa on the said issues. 

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