Confusion hit South Africa all around, after the Banyana Banyana players decided to down their tools refusing to honor their fixture against the Botswana national team; in a match that was supposed to be a “send off” for the national team- as they will participate in the upcoming women’s world cup.
According to various media reports, the players were concerned that the South African football association was allegedly refusing to give them the stipend legally promised to them by FIFA, for just partaking in the group stages of the upcoming tournament.
As they say “once bitten, twice shy”. Prior to the protest, the Banyana Banyana team players have been at loggerheads with SAFA; after it was alleged that the football body failed to fully pay the bonuses which were promised to the team for winning the women’s AFCON competition.
While many South Africans were behind the Banyana Banyana for the promised, it seems that they have now stepped back; and have given Donny Jordan the benefit of the doubt following new developments from FIFA:
According to various media reports, Banyana Banyana are not the only team that is not guaranteed money for participating in the upcoming women’s world cup tournament. England too, remains in the dark.
The Lionesses players are ‘privately disappointed’ with the FA, who are yet to reach an agreement on bonuses for the World Cup, three weeks before the tournament’s first game.
A lot of South Africans were crucifying Danny Jordan and were calling for his sacking, only to realise that it is not a predicament that only Banyana Banyana were facing; SAFA board’s hands are tied. With only 3 weeks before South Africa faces off, it remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved.
What are your views regarding Jordan’s leadership, is it time to step down and make way for new Individuals?
The Lionesses players are 'privately disappointed' with the FA, who are yet to reach an agreement on bonuses for the World Cup, three weeks before the tournament's first game 🦁⚽ pic.twitter.com/C2mGfDWPJw
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 3, 2023