Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo did not pull any punches as he described the standoff between Banyana Banyana and SAFA a ‘disgrace’ to SA football.
This comes after Banyana refused to play their scheduled friendly match against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday.
Banyana boycotted the game because the players felt the venue in Tsakane was not suitable as it could have caused injuries ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
MAKESHIFT BANYANA TEAM
A makeshift team played the encounter made up of inexperienced players, including a 13-year-old. Botswana hammered Banyana 5-0.
The women’s national team also wanted to play their final match before the global showpiece in a prestigious stadium such as the FNB Stadium or Orlando Stadium.
In addition, Banyana are not pleased with the financial arrangements as they head off to the World Cup, where they will tackle Sweden, Argentina and Italy in Group G.
As reported, the players will get receive $30 000 (R565 537) each from FIFA for participating in the World Cup, but nothing from SAFA. As a result, Banyana players refused to sign pre-tournament contracts, insisting that they want incentives from the association.
“Let’s tell the truth about our football, this is not a true reflection of what we are supposed to be seeing as South Africans and unfortunately it is out there,” said Khumalo.
THIS IS A DISGRACE
Doctor Khumalo, who played a vital role when Bafana won the 1996 AFCON said the players selected at the last minute by SAFA, the makeshift team should have refused to play as a sign of solidarity.
“Why are you going to play when people are fighting? This is a disgrace,” added Khumalo, who won the 1996 AFCON with Bafana.
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“Why are they honouring the game when they know they are not ready to play because you can tell they are still being developed. “Your seniors are fighting for this [payment issues] and you are saying ‘you crazy, we are going to play?’ They deserve it [to be losing 5-0].
“What I’m looking at is a shame and disgrace, because I did so much to make this flag to be recognised in the world and people come and do this?
“What are we doing there? This is not all about Banyana because even Bafana is reflected badly here.
“The truth needs to be told. Why do they honour this game? They can’t play, they can’t. They are exposed,” concluded Khumalo.
The Women’s World Cup will be staged in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August 2023.