“Enough is enough”: Banyana’s Pay Protest Exposes Deep Wounds in South African Football

Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s beloved women’s football champions, should be sharpening tactics and dreaming of more glory ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Instead, they’ve been forced—yet again—into a standoff over something far more basic: getting paid.

The national team staged a sit-in protest on Friday at their Moroccan base, refusing to train until outstanding match fees were settled. It was a powerful message that rippled across South African social media, exposing a painful truth: our heroines are tired of being treated like second-class athletes.

A Repeat Betrayal of South Africa’s Champions

This isn’t a once-off hiccup. It’s a pattern — and an embarrassing one at that. Time and again, Banyana Banyana have had to fight for payments owed to them, often while carrying the weight of the nation on their shoulders at international tournaments.

Their latest protest came just days before their WAFCON title defence kicks off. The reason? Delayed payments from the Three Nations Challenge held back in May. According to SAFA vice-president Linda Zwane, the match fees for both players and staff were inexplicably held up, creating unnecessary tension in camp.

And while SAFA president Danny Jordaan has since claimed the dispute is resolved, many South Africans are asking the same question: why does this keep happening?

Social Media Reacts: “Pay Our Players”

The backlash online was swift and furious. Former SAFA technical director Fran Hilton-Smith called the situation a “mess,” while fans flooded X with messages of support for Banyana and outrage toward SAFA.

One user wrote: “These women brought us pride at the World Cup, and now they’re begging to be paid. Shameful.”

Another said: “The only thing consistent about SAFA is how badly they treat Banyana.”

From hashtags like #PayBanyana to calls for Jordaan’s resignation, the public mood has turned from disappointment to outright anger.

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Neglect of Women’s Sport

It’s not just about missed paycheques. Banyana’s protest points to something deeper — a structural neglect of women’s football in South Africa. While the team continues to punch above its weight, having reached the knockout stages of the last FIFA Women’s World Cup and reigning as continental champions, they often do so without proper resources or consistent administrative support.

From subpar facilities to last-minute travel arrangements and now delayed payments, it’s clear that Banyana’s achievements have come in spite of the system, not because of it.

SAFA’s Credibility Crisis

This saga could not have come at a worse time for SAFA. With football globally embracing a shift towards equality and professionalisation in the women’s game, South Africa is being left behind — and not because of a lack of talent or success.

What we’re seeing is a credibility crisis at the very top. If SAFA hopes to rebuild trust with players and the public, apologies are no longer enough. Institutional accountability, transparency, and respect must become more than just buzzwords at annual congresses.

Time for a Reset

As Banyana return to the training field ahead of their opening WAFCON match against Ghana, the mood is likely mixed: professional focus on the pitch, but lingering frustration off it.

This protest should not fade into another footnote. It must be the moment where SAFA, and South African sport at large, draws a line in the sand.

Our champions deserve better — not just applause when they win, but contracts that are honoured, and dignity that is upheld, no matter the day of the week.

Source:IOL

Read More: Banyana Banyana Ready to Lead With Heart As WAFCON 2025 Kicks Off

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