Fran – We Need To Recognise Banyana

Former Banyana Bayana captain, coach and team manager Fran Hilton-Smith feels it’s high time the national women’s team get more recognition, while many in South Africa still celebrate Bafana Bafana’s success from 1996.

Speaking in edition 61 of iDiski Times, Hilton-Smith said the advancements made by the female national teams over the past few years, has been a dream come true.

Hilton-Smith added that Banyana, who are heading to the semi-finals at the current WAFCON and qualified for the 2023 FIFA World Cup, should be celebrated, as they have made incredible progress since her day.

“I have fulfilled my dreams where Banyana have been to the World Cup, two Olympics, the U17s, that’s why I believe Banyana should be far more recognised,” Hilton-Smith told iDiski Times. 

“We have had many events for the 96 squad (Bafana Bafana), we’re now 25 years later with the 96 squad, we need to recognise Banyana, let’s recognise their achievements now, I think it’s very important. 

“Also, women need to be paid more money, that just goes without saying. 

“They have done very well and in my opinion, they need to be paid a lot more than they get, because they have earned it.” 

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