Zizi Kodwa urges Banyana Banyana to ‘focus’ amid gender pay gap concerns

The gender pay gap issue in sports is once again in the spotlight, and it seems like it will be up to Zizi Kodwa and a couple of other stakeholders to figure out the way forward and possibly set a new precedent for women’s sports in South Africa. Kodwa has weighed in on the embarrassing ordeal on Sunday that saw Banyana Banyana boycott its match against Botswana, calling for players to be “focused on the major task that lies ahead”.

Kodwa’s statement comes amid a rising backlash against his department and the South African Football Association (SAFA) from some members of the public for what has been described as the ill-treatment of the team.

The controversy has taken place just a few days before the African champions are to jet off for their first World Cup match in New Zealand.

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A BOYCOTT, A 5-0 DEFEAT, AND THE ‘TWITTER POLICE’

Following Banyana Banyana’s decision to boycott the match, the team’s coach, Desiree Ellis was left with no other option but to call for backup as she sent in a fresh team on the pitch at the last minute.

The boycott was prompted by payment issues that have since been marred by allegations of sexism as well as the inadequate venue that was afforded to them for their match.

Inevitably, the team suffered a hefty 5-0 defeat against their visitors, which led to mixed reactions from different sides, especially by the Twitter police.

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Some social media users have hammered the team, citing the lack of popularity as the reason for the pay gap between themselves and Bafana Bafana, whilst others have called for change, even suggesting that  SAFA head Danny Jordaan be removed.

Danny Jordaan should be removed from his position as SAFA President because He is useless. Its incomprehensible that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is the one addressing the matter concerning Banyana Banyana, which is a matter of national importance. Where is Minister Zizi Kodwa?… pic.twitter.com/A8dAyVJP1D

— Edgar Legoale 🇿🇦 (@EdgarLegoale) July 3, 2023

Sports depends on sponsorship this equal pay cry from Banyana Banyana will not work.

Even Employment Equity Act won't help them.

— Richy (@RichmanSekatane) July 3, 2023

Meanwhile, the South African Football Players Union (Safpu) has expressed its support for the team, a contrast to the views of SAFA.

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KODWA TO MEET WITH SAPFU TO DISCUSS THE WAY FORWARD

In a bid to ease the drama, the Minister expressed his intentions to meet with Sapfu on Tuesday, adding that he is also in contact with Danny Jordaan.

With the gender pay gap in sport being a widely known issue, eyes will be on Kodwa, to see whether he will set the precedent for women’s sport in South Africa.

This article was originally published by Tshegofatso Makola.