Banyana's Seoposenwe aims parting shot at Safa
Retired Banyana Banyana striker Jermaine Seoposenwe has slammed the South African Football Association in explaining her reasons for walking away from the international game at just 31 years of age.
ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso hails collective effort
Seoposenwe's last game for Banyana came in the third-place play-off penalty shootout loss to Ghana at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on July 25.
Banyana players' strikes
And she told Robert Marawa on 94.7FM on Wednesday that constantly having to fight with Safa for recognition had worn her down.
Banyana's players went on strike ahead of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in a bonus row with Safa. And they again went on striker before the recent WAFCON, over unpaid match appearance fees.
'I just want to love football … don't want to be unhappy … don't want to continue to struggle for things that, as a national team player, you deserve,' said Seoposenwe, who played for Banyana for 15 years, earning over 100 caps.
'I know what I can bring to the national team, but it's best that I walk away.
'The treatment, every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money, we have to fight about basically everything … why do we have to fight?,' she continued.
'Why can't you plan for the year? Fifa gives you a calendar, why don't you budget?'
The Banyana forward even said the players were even on strike before her final game against Ghana, and that they went to the stadium late.
'It becomes difficult to do your job to the best of your ability. The country expects us to do these amazing things, but they don't know what's going on behind the scenes.'
Despite their success in winning the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and reaching the last 16 of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup, Banyana have struggled to get new sponsors.
'Not celebrated enough'
And it has now been reported by SABC News that Banyana's 16 year partnership with Sasol is coming to an end, after the global chemicals and energy company failed to reach an agreement with Safa.
Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has also reportedly been working without a contract for some time.
ALSO READ: Motau calls for patience after Banyana's poor WAFCON showing
'I'm talking about Banyana as a whole, I think this team is not celebrated enough for their achievements. I think with everything that this team has done on the field, there's no sponsors coming in, all of those things. I think they need to be celebrated more, they need more recognition, they deserve more because of that,' Ellis told Radio 2000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
37 minutes ago
- The Herald
'I haven't been happy in the national team': Seoposenwe opens up about Banyana Banyana exit
Former Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe has opened up about her decision to leave the national team. Seoposenwe announced her retirement from international soccer after the Women's Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco. In an interview with Marawa Sports Worldwide, Seoposenwe said while the decision to leave was not easy, it was necessary, citing her unhappiness in the team. 'It's been a journey for me in the national team,' she said. 'Football has given me everything, and it's tough for me to walk away from the national team. After 15 years and the ability that I still have as one of the best players in the country, it's tough. It's tough to walk away from my teammates, the people of South Africa and how they supported me. It's tough to make that decision, but I feel like it's something I had to do. 'I haven't been happy in the national team for a long time but obviously continuing to push through those emotions and those feelings has been tough.' She said the South African Football Association (Safa), the coaching and culture were the reasons for her unhappiness in the team, adding there were disputes when it came to negotiating prize monies for tournaments. 'It's definitely the association and treatment of us in many instances. I think I tried to wrap my head around it but it's difficult as a player, especially being overseas and in an environment where our directors and the club try to make everything as equal as possible. 'Every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money and basically everything. Why do we have to fight? Why can't you plan out for the year? Fifa gives you a calendar of what we are going to do, why can't you budget for those Fifa dates? Why is it so impossible for you to do well by us?' She revealed that the squad received R15,000 bonuses for winning a match against a side not ranked in the top 20, while also getting daily allowances. She added the squad did not receive other necessities like dietitians and proper facilities. 'When you are treated the way you need to be treated, then come back to an environment that you aren't treated the way you want to be treated, it becomes difficult for you to do your job to your best of your abilities.' The 31-year-old was part of the squad that won the Wafcon tournament in 2022, gaining entry to the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia where they were knocked out in the round of 16. She now plays for Mexican Liga MX Femenil club Monterrey. 'If you're happy in a certain environment, that's how I feel in Mexico with Rayados. I'm happy, vibrant, just a completely different person and then coming back to the national team ... seeing myself it's crazy to me sometimes, just to sit down with myself and know the difference in how I feel with my team in Mexico while I'm in the national team is not who I am.' Seoposenwe said she was not appreciated enough in the national team. 'I know what I can bring to the national team, I know what I mean to my teammates and the people of South Africa. I just felt like out of respect for everyone involved, within the national team and people of South Africa, and just the performances that I have given since I've got back, it's just not up to my standard. If I'm going to be this person, then what's the use?'
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
A call to action: Portfolio committee can address accountability in South African football
One of the primary challenges facing the game lies within the South African Football Association (SAFA), which has been notably reluctant to take responsibility for the ongoing turmoil. This lack of accountability has not only stalled reform initiatives but has also contributed to a climate of distrust among stakeholders, particularly the corporate sector. The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture holds a critical key to unlocking the transformation needed in this beloved sport, provided its members engage thoroughly with the issues at hand and make informed decisions. While the potential for greatness exists within the country's talent and passionate supporters, deep-seated issues continue to hinder progress. As the appointed overseers of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, they are tasked with holding vital discussions on budget allocations, policy scrutiny, and performance evaluations, aiming to ensure that the department meets its mandate effectively and is held accountable for its actions. The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture can play a crucial role in revitalising South African football, and it must not be overlooked. To effect meaningful change, members of the Portfolio Committee must undertake diligent research on the myriad of issues plaguing South African football. They have the opportunity to engage with stakeholders from various levels to create a holistic understanding of the problems faced by the sport. This comprehensive engagement is vital; informed commentary and relevant questions can guide discussions in a direction that fosters responsibility and improvement. Their engagement must not merely scratch the surface. There is an urgent need to dissect the intricacies of governance structures within SAFA, demand transparency in operations, and call for a strategy that reinvigorates the passion of South African fans. Engagement must extend into addressing youth development, grassroots initiatives, and infrastructural support – elements that will secure the future of football in South Africa. Significantly, it's the corporate world's participation that could rejuvenate the sport financially and operationally. However, sponsors and investors are unlikely to commit funds so long as there is a perception of inefficiency and a lack of accountability within SAFA. A revitalised football association, one that embraces reform and responsibility, would pave the way for constructive partnerships that could elevate South African football to new heights. The Portfolio Committee can play a transformative role, provided it approaches its mandate with the seriousness and diligence it deserves. A recent parliamentary session raised a host of concerns surrounding SAFA's choices and salaries in coaching appointments across national teams. The South African Football Association (SAFA) finds itself navigating turbulent waters, facing heightened scrutiny over its financial constraints and coaching appointments amid a recent parliamentary session. Issues surrounding operational efficacy and personnel decisions are at the forefront of discussions, particularly concerning coaching roles across national teams. On several occasions, SAFA proudly announced that all coaching positions for the national female teams have been filled exclusively by South African women. SAFA President Danny Jordaan said parliament was highly pleased by this, asserting that the decisions reflect a commitment to empowering local talent. It would seem that the committee was rubber-stamping SAFA's act of prioritising nationality over coaching pedigree, and that undermined the potential for optimal performance. The coaches of female national teams are there firstly because they are women. This focus on gender may undermine teams' competitive edge. As SAFA continues to address its financial pressures, the path forward will undoubtedly require vigilance and a fine-tuned strategy that prioritises both inclusivity and high standards of coaching capability. The committee members should have asked whether these appointments are truly merit-based. Proponents of meritocracy contend that an ideal coaching situation requires a careful balance of nationality and qualifications to ensure optimal performance on the international stage. The fear among various stakeholders is that female coaches are being appointed primarily for their gender rather than their coaching acumen.
The Herald
19 hours ago
- The Herald
Bafana Bafana's huge World Cup clash against Nigeria hosted in Free State
Phase three will kick off on August 16 at R150 for the grandstand area, to be sold at Spar, Postnet and most petrol stations. Both the Lesotho and Nigeria matches will kick off at 6pm. Lesotho will make announcement on how tickets for that match will be sold. Fifa are yet to announce whether South Africa will be sanctioned, potentially with points docked, for fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena (who should have been suspended) in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane in March. The top teams from nine African groups qualify for the first 48-team World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the US, with four best runners-up going into playoffs for one more place. Bafana drew their away fixture against Nigeria - compounding a disastrous start to the campaign by the Super Eagles - 1-1 in Uyo in June 2024.
