Women's Month started poorly for the South African Women's football fraternity. Our senior national soccer squad qualified to participate in the underway Women's World Cup (WWC) that Australia and New Zealand co-host.
The build-up towards this global showpiece was embroiled in controversial scenarios, with money being the burning issue. The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) publicly announced the fees allocated to all participating countries from the tournament's group stages until the final match.
There is an adage that states, "There is no smoke without fire," and I believe it to be true. The shenanigans about a possible revolt by the South African players on the eve of the World Cup kick-off illustrated that the national coach has no executive powers regarding squad selection. As a former player and captain, I was expecting better from coach Desiree Ellis.
I need to come to terms with her decision to relegate the number one goalkeeper Andile Dlamini down the pecking order. The rumour mill spread with allegations that the Mamelodi Sundowns showstopper was the one who incited other players to demand what was due to them. Dlamini was chosen as the country's number one after her heroic performances at last year's Women's African Cup of Nations. The tournament also served as a qualifier for the 2023 WWC. Now water under the bridge, Mzansi annexed the prestigious continental championship gold medal.
The World Cup journey for Banyana Banyana was bound to be short-lived due to interference from the authorities at the SAFA House, who dragged their feet in allocating the money paid from FIFA, which prompted the Motsepe Foundation to pledge a whopping R230 000 bonus to each player. This also raised the burning issue that the national association was practising gender pay gaps in sports nationwide. The pledge from the Motsepe Foundation was also augmented by a commitment from the national lottery operator, Ithuba, with a cash injection of R2 million.
It is understood that before their departure to the World Cup, squad members were aggrieved that their contracts did not include the $30 000 (R560 000) appearance fee promised by FIFA to each of the 23 players. During the announcement of the cash injection, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe emphasised the importance of gender equality as the ladies were representing the nation at the World Cup.
"It takes every single one of us to ensure gender equality becomes a reality," Motsepe stated.
Each player will receive a R230 000 bonus in addition to the FIFA fee, the South African Football Players Union also announced at the media briefing.
"We must present our case on behalf of this national pride to say they too deserve what Bafana Bafana (senior men's national team) deserve, what the Springboks deserve," Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa said at the same conference.
The SAFA House never ceases to amaze as it was not the first time that players revolted over their appearance fees, as this malpractice happened to Bafana Bafana and the Under 23 squad that went to the Olympics in Australia.
Before travelling to this year's Women's World Cup, Banyana Banyana failed to honour a scheduled friendly game against neighbouring Botswana. The quickly-assembled squad of Banyana Banyana succumbed to a 5-0 loss against lowly-ranked Botswana, which did not help the South African team in the international football rankings. Also, it could have augured better for a confidence boost before the global showpiece kick-off.
