Latest Banyana Update – iDiski Times

Banyana Banyana are stuck in a tussle with SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan, which is playing out ahead of the proposed friendly match against Botswana on Sunday.

The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners were supposed to be sent off at Tsakane Stadium at 15:00 on Sunday, but the players are still at their hotel.

At first it was thought that the players refused to play at the Tsakane Stadium, because of the state of the pitch, but it has now become clear that the ladies are standing their ground over the historic distribution model for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand, announced by FIFA recently.

“Under this unprecedented new distribution model, each individual player at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 can now fully rely on remuneration for their efforts as they progress through the tournament. The captain that ultimately lifts the iconic FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy on August 20 in Sydney will receive USD 270,000, as will each of her 22 teammates,” stated FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Today’s standoff between the Banyana players and Jordaan and the SAFA leadership resolves around the guaranteed participation fee of at least $30,000 (R565,000) promised by FIFA to every player partaking in the group stages of the group stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand, which kicks off on 20 July.

The president Thulaganyo Gaoshobelwe of the South African Football Players Association (SAFPU) has explained the current situation to Lethabo Kganyago from iDiski Times.

“Danny has selected another team that he has put there. He has just taken the coach and the manager to go and coach that team,” he said.

“So he has a selected team for the coach, when the legitimate players are here, you know. So that’s where the situation is.

“Danny has said, the women have got a program. That program says, they must leave by bus at half past 12. We were all waiting for it. But then he organises an NEC for 10:30 to dismiss the team.

“You know why he wants to dismiss them? Because they demand that that money that FIFA has given them must be included in their contract, Danny doesn’t want that.

“He lies and comes and says it’s because the players don’t want to play. We’re here since 12:30 to go and play. Danny said he’ll come and address us. It’s a lie that the players refused to go and play.”

Attempts to reach Danny Jordaan for an update turned out fruitless, with the latest statement from the SAFA president to this publication being that “he would sort out the situation”.

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Meanwhile Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has released a statement on the situation.

“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).

“I have been in contact with the President of SAFA, Dr Danny Jordaan and have received written communication from SAPFU.

“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.

“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.

“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.“

You can read up on FIFA’s revolutionary distribution model, which pays out direct money to the players for the first time in history here: https://bit.ly/3XB9EeX