The Motsepe Foundation has ensured that Banyana Banyana players and backroom staff smile all the way to the bank after the organisation chipped in with R6 million for bonuses for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Australia and New Zealand.
The Motsepe Foundation intervened following a stand-off between Banyana players and the South African Football Association (SAFA) something which resulted in the players not playing against Botswana in Tsakane, Brakpan, on Sunday.
A makeshift Banyana squad took to the field and got embarrassed, losing 5-0 to Botswana’s Mares. That was Banyana’s first loss to Botswana.
Banyana players are now guaranteed the $30,000 (about R563 000) appearance fee promised by FIFA to each of the 23 players and more than R225 000 from the money donated by the Motsepe Foundation.
“These are our champions and we have to treat them as such. They gave their sweat and blood for our country and it’s very important they get what they deserve. We must stop paying lip service to things like equal payment and gender equality. We can do more. Banyana Banyana are going to the World Cup and we should be proud of it,” Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe from the Motsepe Foundation said.
Meanwhile, the first group of Banyana players will leave for Australasia on Wednesday and the second group will depart on Thursday.
Players, coaches and officials couldn’t leave as one group because of insufficient business class seats.
