South Africa squad in dispute with FA ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

Published at :July 6, 2023 at 12:35 AM

Modified at :July 6, 2023 at 12:35 AM

The tournament kicks off on 20 July

The squad chosen for the finals was embroiled in an impasse with the national organisation, so an unnamed national side, which included a 13-year-old, played Botswana in a friendly on Sunday, throwing South Africa's FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 plans into disarray.

The game was meant to serve as the team's send-off before continuing their international training. The team was headed to Australia and New Zealand for the World Cup.

The World Cup-bound team, however, was unable to compete due to a disagreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) about incentive payments and their tournament contracts.

Rather, in front of puzzled spectators at a jam-packed Tsakane Park and a watching television audience, a hastily assembled side with no major national team experience fell 5-0.

Desiree Ellis, the head coach of South Africa, recognised the tensions that existed behind what was going on and stated that the national team will need to meet with SAFA to "plot the way forward."

SAFA officials weren't forthcoming right away to Reuters' request for comment, but Mzwandile Maforvane, the organization's football manager, told the SABC that the problems existed.

"There are challenges that we have with regard to the team and I believe the governance structure of SAFA is dealing with those issues," he claimed

Zizi Kodwa, South Africa's Minister of Sport, urged the parties to negotiate a settlement in a statement and announced he would schedule a meeting with the players' union on Tuesday.

"I urge the team to be focused on the major task that lies ahead ... I will be meeting with the South Africa Football Players’ Union on Tuesday to hear the serious concerns expressed by the team,” Kodwa said.

“The meeting will consider issues pertaining to the government’s commitment and support to the team, the team’s working, welfare and health conditions, including transparency and accountability related to the signing of contracts."