African Champions Banyana Banyana have received a further boost into their coffers after Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa announced on Tuesday (23 August) – exactly a month after lifting the continental title – that they will be awarded 15 million rand as a bonus for winning the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Desiree Ellis’s charges defeated hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final the final to win their maiden African title.
“So significant was this Banyana Banyana feat, particularly coming at a time when we, as a country, have made the positive role played by women in uplifting society, the focus of our activities, the team was invited to share their victory with the President of the country, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, at a celebration he hosted at the Union Buildings, shortly after their arrival,” said the Minister.
“The President, noting the public calls for more funds to be channelled to the team, immediately asked that the R5,8million promised by the Department, be increased by a considerable amount. Today I am pleased to announce that the National Government’s contribution to the team, has been increased to R15 million. Knowing how generous South Africans are, I have no doubt more corporates will follow the example of Sasol and later Hollywoodbets, to invest in women’s football.”
At the event held at the headquarters of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Minister Mthethwa was full of praise for Ellis and the entire team. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, forward Thembi Kgatlana and midfielder Nomvula Kgoale were also at the event, along with head coach Ellis and some members of her staff.
“Banyana Banyana had been denied in five previous Women’s Afcon finals – 1995, 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018 – and at the 2022 edition, tasted glory for the first time in the history of the National senior women’s team. Desiree Ellis & her team achieved what seemed like an impossible feat, when they maintained a clean sheet, in reaching the WAFCON finals in Morocco. She too, gave us much to cheer about when CAF recognised her, for the 3rd year running, with the 2022 WAFCON Coach of the Year. As big supporters of women sport, my Department is proud of its support not only to Banyana Banyana and the Proteas Netball team. In fact, the Department’s contribution to big sports like cricket and rugby, is specifically ringfenced for women. The significance of Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON win means that they will be representing not only this country but also the continent, in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. As Africa’s first hosts of the 2023 Netball World Cup, we look forward to another big year at the world’s stage by our country’s women in sport. Added to this South Africa will also stage the Under 19 Girls Cricket World Cup and the T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup, in early 2023,” added the Minister.
Also present at the event was Dr Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe and the COO Lydia Monyepao.
“This is unprecedented. For the first time you have the president of the country making a commitment to give them a bonus, the minister of sport doing the same, the federation doing the same, the provincial governments in our country doing the same,” said Dr Jordaan.
“I am very happy that we can stand here and celebrate this special recognition of women’s football and the achievement of Banyana Banyana. Even on the continent, no team that has won the WAFCON has been given such recognition and support.”
By Matlhomola Morake
