By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated Banyana Banyana for becoming the new queens of the continent after coach Desiree Ellis’ brave charges beat hosts Morocco to win a maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 23 July 2022.
Maape said he was inspired by the display of relentless commitment to excellence and resilience to overcome adversity. He said that Banyana Banyana players represent a unique cohort of South Africa’s population.
“They represent the best of what we can achieve if we dedicate ourselves to the service of our country’s good name and its people. These players have given our country the best women’s month present we could all have wished for.
“I hope you will all join me in proposing that the remaining days of the month of August be dedicated to the celebration of Banyana Banyana, the true heroes of our nation. We love you and salute you Banyana Banyana,” he said.
The TheNational Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson, Amos Masondo shared the same sentiments. Mapisa-Nqakula said Banyana Banyana’s contribution has shone the light on the potential of women in sports.
“Once again, they demonstrated their capability and excellence on the international stage. We salute them for lifting the South African flag high, enhancing our nation-building program, inspiring the nation’s hopes and aspirations as well as improving social cohesion.
“Banyana Banyana’s victory, which catapulted the nation into the dizzy heights of continental football and World Cup qualifications, serves as a necessary upliftment amidst the current economic challenges and social hardships,” she said.
Masondo said: “Banyana Banyana have made the country enormously proud and their win in this tournament is a significant contribution to the need for women’s sports to be given equal status, recognition, and resources to bridge the inequality gap between the males and females taking part in the sport. This was the team’s sixth time at the final hurdle of the WAFCON since the competition’s inception in 1991.
“We have noted with concern that, despite consistently qualifying for all major CAF and FIFA competitions over the last couple of years, Banyana Banyana players were still being paid less than their male counterparts.”
They have called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and various sponsors involved in the game to do all necessary to ensure that this gap in the remuneration and recognition of women in soccer is closed.
Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo also called on CAF, under the leadership of Patrice Motsepe, to address the disparities in the prize money between men and women participating in their competitions. They said when the Senegalese men’s team won the AFCON earlier this year, they received R77.6 million from CAF, whereas Banyana Banyana will only get R8.5 million for winning the WAFCON.
Meanwhile, it was a glorious night for Banyana Banyana as Andile Dlamini walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at a ceremony held on the pitch moments before the official handover of the trophy to the new champions. Banyana Banyana was also named as the women’s National Team of the Year and SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan was on hand to receive the title from Confederation of African Football president, Patrice Motsepe.
The Guardian 