From 20 July to 20 August 2023, the Women’s World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand. Having qualified as African champions in 2022, South Africa is not preparing for the event in the best possible way. This is due to a war between the players and the president of the Football Association.
With the Women’s World Cup less than three weeks away, South Africa is in troubled waters. The players are in conflict with the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan. The Banyana Banyana are demanding greater clarity over their bonuses for the World Cup. They have also complained about the state of the pitch at the Tsakane stadium in Ekurhuleni, where they are training. It was there that they were due to play Botswana in a friendly on Sunday 02 July. However, the players decided to boycott the match. SAFA president Danny Jordan was furious. First, he sent the 20 rebellious players home. Then he simply concocted a new list of players to take on Botswana. As a result, the South Africans lost 5-0.
The Minister for Sport as mediator
Faced with this open conflict, Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has decided to play the role of fireman.He will be meeting with the country’s players’ union (SAFPU). In a statement, he said: “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 serious concerns have been raised 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 Footballers Union. (SAPFU),” he began.
Zizi Kodwa then continued. “I will be meeting with the SAFPU on Tuesday to hear the serious concerns expressed by the team. The purpose of this meeting will be to examine issues relating to the government’s commitment and support for the team, the team’s working conditions, welfare and health, including transparency and accountability in relation to the signing of contracts. Whatever the extent of the disagreements, a solution must be found quickly. South Africa are due to take off for Oceania on Wednesday 05 July. The African champions open their World Cup campaign against Sweden on 23 July. In Group G, the African champions will also face Argentina and Italy.
