Motsepe Foundation steps in to resolve Banyana Banyana's World Cup bonus row with SAFA

The Motsepe Foundation, through deputy chairperson Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, stepped in and pledged to contribute financially to resolve a crisis that had disrupted the African champions’ camp in the final days of their preparations on home soil. 

Moloi-Motsepe, the wife of CAF President Patrice Motsepe, is believed to have reached out to the South African Football Players' Union (SAFPU) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), when it became clear that the bonus talks were holding the camp back. 

The players received their contracts for the global showpiece last week and noted issues with no remuneration included therein, and demanded amendments that catered specifically to their bonuses.

SABC Sport has learned the Motsepe Foundation and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture have pledged to contribute around R6 million, which would be shared by the 23-woman squad, although it’s believed the three standby players could also be accommodated in this arrangement. 

During the discussions, issues of additional bonuses outside of the FIFA-guaranteed $30 000 (approx. R560 000 at the current exchange rate) participation fee was also brought up.

Following the interventions, the players could now each receive an additional R250 000 outside the FIFA bonus scheme, which could rise to over R5-million should they go all the way in Australia and New Zealand.

The marathon negotiations between SAFA, SAFPU – representing the players, and the mediation of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture lasted close to 12 hours, from 11:00 until after 22:00 on Tuesday. 

The full details of the outcomes thereof will be announced at a press conference in Sandton at 11:00 on Wednesday, but before then, the bonuses of the 18 support staff members have to be resolved, with the Union and FA set to meet this morning to continue discussions. 

Participating member associations at the World Cup will also be getting about R30 million each, including a preparation fee to the tune of over R20-million that they have already received.

The team have not trained since Saturday due to the impasse, but will depart in two groups from OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday, flying business class to their base in New Zealand via Australia.

Desiree Ellis’ side are pitted in Group G alongside 16th-ranked Italy, 28th-ranked Argentina, and third-ranked Sweden, whom they face in their tournament opener on 23 July at 07:00 (SA time).