Banyana Return to WAFCON Training Following Payment Dispute Resolution
Banyana Banyana have recommenced training as they gear up for their upcoming continental title defense after resolving a financial matter on Saturday.
On Saturday afternoon, Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis and her squad returned to the field, taking part in a practice match against Benin as they prepare for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco from July 5-26, 2025.
Linda Zwane, Vice-President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), along with CEO Lydia Monyepao, briefly stepped out of the SAFA Congress in Sandton to connect with the Banyana Banyana camp in Morocco. They met with the team’s Head of Department, Thabile Msomi, and captain Refiloe Jane, to discuss the pertinent issues.
Vice-President Zwane confirmed that an agreement was reached, allowing the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to participate in the training match.
“The Association is committed to ensuring that the players continue their preparation, as we aspire for them to excel in the tournament,” he emphasized.
“We spoke with both the team captain and the HOD, came to an agreement, and assured our necessary commitment. So far, we’ve been receiving encouraging updates that the team has resumed training and played a friendly match as part of their preparations,” he added.
SAFA CEO Monyepao clarified that the complications arose from friendly matches held in recent months—specifically the game against Malawi and the Three Nations series involving Zambia and Botswana—not directly related to the WAFCON.
“The disagreement revolved around payment timelines. We have since resolved the bonus concerns, as we are focused on our players and typically allow 30 days for compensation regarding friendly matches,” she noted.
“However, we are aware of the financial conditions of our federation, which were thoroughly discussed during the SAFA Congress on Saturday, enabling us to plan on how to address our financial commitments moving forward. The issue has now been resolved, as the Vice President indicated.”
The SAFA CEO also pointed out that decreasing sponsorships and tough economic conditions have affected sports organizations, and SAFA has not been immune to these challenges.
“We must acknowledge our current financial restrictions. We no longer have the resources we once did to support both senior national teams. Funding for Bafana Bafana has drastically diminished, even as we have significantly increased bonuses for Banyana Banyana.”
“The bonuses are now four times what they once were. Nevertheless, even with the increased bonuses, we have not succeeded in securing additional funding for the team, necessitating that we allocate more of our federation’s resources to meet our obligations.”
“Managing a national team entails more than just disbursing bonuses. There are extensive logistical considerations involved. Since last May, Banyana Banyana has participated in 12 international friendly matches, beginning with Senegal. They faced high-caliber teams such as Denmark and England in October, traveled to Jamaica in November and December, played against Lesotho earlier this year, and competed against Malawi, Botswana, and Zambia in a Three Nations tournament,” she elaborated.
“The logistical costs for these camps are considerable. A local camp might cost around R4.9 million or more, while international camp costs are even higher. If accommodation is managed by the host, costs are reduced, but there are still other expenses that must be addressed to meet obligations both domestically and abroad. The costs associated with international friendlies are unavoidable. As a federation, we must bolster our financial resources to fulfill these commitments.”