SEDIBENG.- What was supposed to be a grand send-off game for Banayana Banyana turned into chaos when players boycotted the game against Botswana on Sunday.
With SAFA anticipating this situation they organized players from local teams to honour this friendly match at Tsakane Stadium. Banyana Banyana players were said to be not happy with what SAFA tabled for them in terms of bonuses ahead of the World Cup. Banyana Banyana players were also not happy with the venue, Tsakane Stadium, as they felt the venue was not up to standard to play a send-off match.
As if this was not enough, they were also said to be not happy with the kind of opponents SAFA organized for the send-off as they believed the association could have organized more competitive opponents.
It was embarrassing as the makeshift Banyana Banyana suffered a 5-0 defeat to Botswana.
Banyana Banyana Coach, Desiree Ellis was sitting on the bench seemingly hopeless as Botswana toyed around with the players that she never selected, or are part of the upcoming World Cup. The real Banyana Banyana are scheduled to jet out of the country on Wednesday for the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July – 20 August.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, a source who is close to the Banyana Banyana camp said that Banyana Banyana was in disagreement with SAFA regarding bonuses and other issues.
“There were a lot of issues that Banyana Banyana players were not happy about, including their contracts which involved bonuses. It was bad but I feel they could have honoured the game because the game was part of their send-off, also they should have played for the sake of the supporters. I hope SAFA President, Danny Jordan meets with the players on Monday (today) to see how best the two parties can resolve this issue of bonuses.
Sedibeng Ster Sport received a call from one of the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) members who informed us of what transpired in the Banyana Banyana camp two hours before the kick-off.
” I’m confident that they will resolve this before the team’s departure on Wednesday. What happened on Sunday was bad for our football. Our focus should be the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Sedibeng Ster Sport will follow up on new developments between SAFA and the players.
