Banyana Banyana Refuse to Train Ahead of WAFCON Due to Unpaid SAFA Salaries

• Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) defending champions, Banyana Banyana, have boycotted training in Morocco due to unpaid salaries from SAFA
• The players are demanding immediate payment for outstanding salaries for the April and June camps ahead of WAFCON
• The South African Football Association (SAFA) is yet to respond officially to the player's allegations

Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) reigning champions, Banyana Banyana, have reportedly downed their tools and undertaken industrial action and stayed away from training. The reason for their action is attributed to unpaid dues from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

SABC Sport reported that the team boycotted their second training session on Friday, after complaining to SAFA. The players' demands include immediate payment of outstanding salaries for their April and June camps, which formed a part of coach Desiree Ellis’ WAFCON preparations.

SAFA has reportedly failed to make those payments to the ladies, hence the action undertaken by them.

No formal meeting with SAFA before camp

The Head of Delegation, Thabile Msomi, addressed the team on Thursday, letting them know that the matter has been escalated to the SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan. The players are still waiting for official communication from Jordaan on the matter and the way forward.

A player who reportedly spoke to the SABC on condition of anonymity stated that the players had failed to have access to the CEO, Lydia Monyepao. She also stated that they had failed to meet anyone from SAFA before their camp in Morocco.

SAFA on Saturday was holding a key congress, which was reportedly meant to have a report of a Morocco R5 million deficit to be tabled.

Banyana Banyana aiming to defend WAFCON title

The ladies are already in Morocco for the biennial competition, which will start on July 5 until the 26th of the month. The Ellis-led team won the last edition and will be aiming to successfully retain their crown.

South Africa is in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, with their first game scheduled on July 7 against the Black Queens.

Safa have not yet said anything regarding the allegations raised by the players.

Absenteeism of star player Thembi Kgatlana is already a problem

The reported industrial action comes in the background of the exclusion of Tigress Femenil star forward, Thembi Kgatlana, from the team that travelled to Morocco. Kgatlana was said to have been left out of the team due to personal reasons. Striker Hilda Magaia is also still undergoing medical assessments.

SAFA's financial woes persist

The football mother body, SAFA, continues to grapple with financial problems that have become widely and well-documented. Briefly News previously reported that the main root of the SAFA's financial problems stems from high bonuses paid to national teams and huge staff costs due to excessive salaries, as per the FA's financial committee chair, Mxolisi Sibam.

Danny Jordaan speaks on the Amajita bonus

Briefly News previously reported that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to finalise any bonus or incentive structure for the Amajita squad following their historic U-20 Afcon triumph in Egypt.

Source: Briefly News