It has become a norm for national teams to be feted and welcomed by throngs of crowds when they return home from an international assignment where they were triumphant.
But what we saw with the newly-crowned Queens of the Continent, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, was of massive proportions.
Women’s football has never had a special place in the hearts of many in this country – or so it seemed.
But when Desiree Ellis’ lifted the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following 2-1 victory over hosts Morocco on Saturday (23 July), the country went abuzz.
Banyana Banyana became the talk of the town.
And it was no surprise when it was standing room only at OR Tambo International Airport when they returned home on Tuesday morning (26 July).
Thousands gathered and waited patiently to catch a glimpse of the African Champions – who managed this feat at the sixth time of asking.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa and Sasol’s Charlotte Mokoena – Executive Vice President: Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations, were on hand to receive the team that held the WAFCON trophy aloft.
There to also bear witness to the historic moment, were football lovers clad in their national colours and full of song and dance, snapping away pictures when they saw the players.
After 47 days away from home and a long overnight flight, you have expected the entire squad to be exhausted, but they were clearly rejuvenated by the scenes unfolding in front of their eyes.
The celebrations continued in earnest on Wednesday (27 July) when they visited the Union Buildings at the invitation of State President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Led by SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, the team presented the trophy and their medals to the country’s first citizen to see up close and personal.
In return, President Ramaphosa, accompanied by Minister of International Relations, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, awarded Certificates of Appreciation to every team member and applauded them saying they had made the nation proud.
Shortened version of the State President’s speech:
“66 years ago, thousands of women marched on the Union Buildings in a show of defiance against apartheid. As we prepare to commemorate the women’s march in two weeks’ time and observe Women’s Month, we recall how the pioneers of 1956 lit the path for future generations of South African women and girls. They were trailblazers, as are you. They were pioneers, as are you. They were role-models, as are you. They were symbols of resilience and determination, as are you. You have fired up the dreams of the young women of our nation – in Meadowlands, New Brighton, Upington, Salt River, Umlazi, Galeshewe and many other places across the country. Because of your victory on the pitch, they too will strive to become what you have become, to persevere as you have persevered, to reach for the stars and to become stars. When the final whistle blew in the stadium last Saturday, it was the end of a well-played game. But for us watching back home, it was just the beginning. To the team captain, Ms Janine van Wyk, thank you for your able leadership and for keeping the team focused and on course. Since the dawn of our democracy, we have welcomed our nation’s finest here at the Union Buildings – sportsmen and women, political leaders, authors, community activists, artists and musicians. With your victory in Morocco, South Africa has become the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions for the very first time, and it will not be the last. We have no doubt you will do us proud next year in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. No matter how great the setback or the obstacle in your path, you overcame them. Every South African is inspired by your determination to never give up, and to try, try and try again. When you took to the pitch in Rabat on Saturday night, we, the South African people, were there in heart and spirit, cheering you on. The good news of your win was like rain falling on dry and parched ground. Today our hearts are bursting with pride. You promised you would bring the cup home, and you have brought it home. We must now demonstrate our appreciation for the players with regards to the pay that they should get. South Africa is a non-racist and non-sexist country, so I don’t see a reason why the women should earn less than the male footballers. We are working on rectifying this anomaly and we will soon make it law that they will be paid equally as their male counterparts.”
By Matlhomola Morake
