Former Banyana Banyana star urges corporate to sponsor Hollywoodbets Super League

The league is currently sponsored solely by the betting company, with most players in the league not getting paid because of unaffordability by the teams.

Monate says this pushes most players to only want to play for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in order to get paid but end up struggling for game time because of the depth in the squad.

“Women’s football is growing but we need funding for women’s football because Hollywoodbets is trying. We still need prize money. Also most teams don’t pay players so Sundowns will always be on top,” Monated said.

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“Getting sponsorship would mean that coaches in these clubs also get money to get their coaching badges,.”

Since the inception of the league in 2019/20 before Holywoodbets came on board the following season, Sundowns have been the only team that has lifted the trophy.

Coaches have also complained about the off field behaviour from their players and Monate says this is because they are volunteering and nothing holds them accountable even if they miss training.

“You know players are behaving like that because they are not getting paid. We need sponsors to pay these players a stipend because since they are not getting money from the teams they are not inspired to play,” she added. 

“Some can go shopping, some can’t because they don’t have the money. Everyone wants to join Sundowns. They tell you stories about how they don’t have parents, some are being raised by single mothers. Their situations are really sad, hopefully someone will come in and save women’s football.”