The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana continue to reap the benefits of their historic success when they lifted their maiden TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy following a 2-1 victory over hosts Morocco last month.
On Thursday (25 August 2022) their long-standing and proud sponsor, Sasol, hosted a celebratory event in the team’s honour – where the entire squad was handed a cheque of just over five-and-a-half-million rand (R5 550 000.00) as their performance bonuses.
The amount was to be distributed among the players and the support team.
The latest offering comes at the back of Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa announcing that Government will award fifteen-million-rand (R15 million) to the South African senior women’s national team as a bonus for winning the WAFCON. The players have already confirmed that the R9,2 million bonus they were promised by SAFA before the start of the tournament has been deposited into their accounts.
At the event held at the Sasol Headquarters in Sandton, Charlotte Mokoena, the Sasol Executive Vice President: Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations expressed her excitement for what Banyana Banyana achieved in North Africa.
She emphasised that Sasol, which has been in partnership with the team for 13 years, giving them unwavering support and commitment, has not done it for glory or to share the spoils of the team’s success.
“Sasol will continue to be Banyana Banyana’s staunch supporter, because we have always believed in the potential of the squad and the empowerment of women through sport. We have always seen greatness in this team, even when others doubted. We had faith that you would, one day, silence your detractors, earn your right to be regarded as equals and indeed, live the impossible,” said Mokoena.
“You are a phenomenal group of women and the epitome of a world class football team: gracious; athletic; humble; role models to our youth; and now the powerhouse of the African continent.”
Also in attendance was the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Dr Danny Jordaan, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), SAFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Advocate Tebogo Motlantle and SAFA Chief Operations Officer (COO) Lydia Monyepao – a former Banyana Banyana captain and Team Manager.
“Banyana Banyana must be given a chance to face stiff opposition as the side continues to prepare for the Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next year. If we want to maintain the quality, level and performance of this team, we have to broaden the base and also give the team more opportunities,” said the SAFA President.
“Now that they have conquered Africa, in the World Cup next year they will not play against any African teams. So they must play against teams from South America, North Africa, Europe as well as Asia. This is where we are going to focus – they cannot play against these countries for the first time when they go to the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year. So preparation for the World Cup is very important.”
Dr Jordaan added that SAFA still has ambitions of hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We want the team to perform because we want to discuss with government that after the 2023 tournament, the next World Cup is in 2027 – we then want to raise the question of since we have the infrastructure, how about about hosting the World Cup in South in 2027,” said Dr Jordaan.
“Unlike when we hosted the men’s World Cup in 2010, our team Bafana Bafana was ranked 86th in the world. Banyana is already number 2 on the African continent, and by 2026 for the World Cup 2027, they must be in the top 10 in the world because then they will be real contenders on home soil. This is where we are focusing and this is where we want to go.”
The day was filled with exciting activities that allowed Sasol employees to get close to the Banyana Banyana players in the activation area, taking pictures with the champions. In addition, superfans were also in attendance, adding to the ambience while the DJ pumped up the special Banyana Banyana song that Sasol created for the team.
The squad will now shift their focus to conquering the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Cup scheduled to kick off on 31 August at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
By Matlhomola Morake
