SAFA responds to Banyana Banyana boycott ahead of WAFCON

A potential crisis for the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions, Banyana Banyana, has been swiftly averted.

Reports of a training boycott in Morocco, stemming from unpaid dues, led to immediate action by the South African Football Association (SAFA), who confirmed an agreement has been reached with the players.

Banyana Banyana arrived in Morocco on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, to prepare for their WAFCON title defence. Their campaign is set to kick off against Ghana on Monday, July 7, followed by matches against Tanzania on Friday, July 11, and Mali on Monday, July 14, in Group C.

However, on Saturday, June 28, SABC Sport revealed that the players had refused to train on Friday, citing outstanding payments for their April and June training camps – crucial preparations for the upcoming tournament. Sources indicated that the team staged a “stay-in,” demanding immediate disbursement of these fees, which SAFA had reportedly failed to process.

A player, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, expressed frustration: “We had no formal meeting with SAFA today or even prior to camp. When we sought a meeting with the CEO, they simply said she was unavailable. The excuse given for the CFO/COO was that they were tired from an NEC meeting.”

The team’s Head of Delegation, Thabile Msomi, had reportedly informed the players on Thursday that the matter had been escalated to SAFA president Danny Jordaan, with players awaiting a direct address from him.

However, during a press confence on Saturday in Sandton, SAFA vice-president Linda Zwane quickly moved to reassure the public that the dispute was resolved.

“We are aware of the situation in Morocco. We have dealt with the matter swiftly after it appeared,” Zwane told journalists. “It was made known to us. It’s a minor issue. The payments of the previous games that they played, particularly the Malawi game, which the association had undertaken to address that particular matter.”

Zwane confirmed a breakthrough in negotiations. “So, there is an agreement that has been reached with the team through their captain. As far as we are concerned, that particular matter is now buried. The association has made commitments to address that, making sure that players continue with preparations.”

He added, “So we had a discussion with the captain of the team and the HOD. We were then able to agree and we also sent the necessary commitments.”

The positive outcome means Banyana Banyana are back on the training pitch and preparing for a friendly match as part of their final build-up for the WAFCON. The focus can now shift entirely to their title defence as they aim for another successful tournament.