- Banyana Banyana are refusing to train in Morocco ahead of WAFCON 2025.
- Players are demanding unpaid salaries for April and June camps.
- SAFA has not yet responded officially to the boycott.
- Lucas Radebe and members of Parliament have called for Danny Jordaan to step down.
- SAFA’s financial troubles include R150 million in bonuses and a projected R5 million loss.
In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa’s senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, have staged a training boycott in Morocco, just a week before the kickoff of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The players are demanding immediate payment of unpaid salaries from the South African Football Association (SAFA), specifically for the April and June training camps.
The boycott was confirmed by SABC Sport, with reports indicating the team missed their second training session in protest.
SAFA Silent as Salary Row Intensifies
Despite several complaints submitted by the squad, SAFA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the unpaid dues. Players report there has been no formal meeting or communication from top SAFA officials since the camp began.
A player, who spoke anonymously to the press, said:
“We had no formal meeting with SAFA before camp. When we requested a meeting with the CEO, we were told she was unavailable. The CFO and COO were ‘tired’ from an NEC meeting.”
Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi informed players the issue had been escalated to SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan, but no resolution has followed.
South African football legend Lucas Radebe has added his voice to the growing criticism, calling for Danny Jordaan to resign from his position as SAFA President. Speaking to iDiski Times, Radebe said:
“I think it’s long overdue. Let’s give others a chance. There are better leaders out there—especially former players who understand the game.”
Radebe’s remarks come amidst wider concerns about SAFA’s leadership and financial governance, which have been the subject of a recent parliamentary probe.
SAFA Financial Mismanagement: R150 Million in Bonuses Questioned
According to a Times Live report, SAFA’s financial committee revealed that R150 million, amounting to 40% of the organization’s annual revenue, was spent on player and staff bonuses during the last financial year. Additionally, SAFA has been criticized for bloated salary structures and failure to reduce its National Executive Committee (NEC) as recommended by FIFA over a decade ago.
With SAFA expected to report a R5 million loss at its national congress this weekend, critics say the organization’s priorities are deeply misplaced.
Banyana Banyana, under the leadership of Coach Desiree Ellis, were expected to mount a strong defense of their 2022 WAFCON title. They are drawn in Group C with Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, with their first match set for July 7 against the Black Queens of Ghana.
However, ongoing salary disputes could affect morale and preparation.
The crisis has spilled over into political circles, with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture questioning SAFA officials including Danny Jordan about poor financial oversight and governance.
DA MP Liam Jacobs publicly challenged Jordaan’s leadership and called for SAFA to be audited and restructured.
