Safa must be held to account after Banyana Banyana's shameful pay protest

COMMENT

For the umpteenth time, South Africa’s national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, have had to confront the age-old issue of unpaid salaries while preparing for a major tournament.

This troubling pattern resurfaced on Friday, ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, when players staged a sit-in protest and flatly refused to attend a scheduled training session at their Moroccan base.

When news of the sit-in broke, frustration reached boiling point. Former technical director of women’s football at Safa, Fran Hilton-Smith, took to social media to lament the ongoing “mess” — a sentiment echoed by many who have observed the repeated mishandling of women’s football matters over the years.

Social media platforms have since been flooded with expressions of outrage from fans over the continued mistreatment of Banyana, who are the defending Wafcon champions. Many have also called for structural reforms within Safa to ensure the long-term well-being and success of the team.

Among the concerns raised are inadequate resources, poor training facilities, and a lack of proper support systems for the squad. There is a growing call for improved contractual conditions and greater accountability regarding player remuneration.

Indeed, this is far from the first time Banyana have been forced to deal with unresolved financial disputes. The issue of delayed payments has been a recurring saga, one that has severely impacted team morale.

It is especially disheartening given the pride Banyana inspire among South Africans. The team have made significant progress on the continental stage and famously advanced beyond the group phase at the most recent Fifa Women’s World Cup.

On Saturday, Safa president Danny Jordaan announced that the latest financial dispute concerning player payments had been resolved. Speaking at the Safa national executive committee congress, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Jordaan sought to reassure players and fans alike.

On Sunday, Banyana were back at training for their Wafcon defence. They tournament starts on Saturday, with the South African senior national women team starting their campaign against Ghana a week from Monday. 

Safa vice-president Linda Zwane elaborated, stating that the issue stemmed from unpaid match fees relating to the Three Nations Challenge held at the end of May. Delays in payment to players and staff had sparked tension and frustration within the camp.

The issue of unpaid salaries for national team players has reached a critical juncture. Those responsible must be held to account.

This latest debacle is not just an administrative failure — it is a stain on the reputation of South African football. Banyana have carried the nation’s hopes with pride and distinction, yet continue to be treated with disregard.

If Safa truly values the growth of the women’s game, systemic change is non-negotiable. Accountability must replace excuses. Respect must replace neglect. And above all, no national team representing this country should ever again be left to fight for what they are rightfully owed.