CAF boss Motsepe intervenes in SAFA, Banyana debacle

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe has intervened in the debacle involving SAFA and Banyana Banyana.

Motsepe has reportedly intervened to solve the ongoing matter over bonuses ahead of Banyana’s appearance at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament later this month.

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Various media outlets report that the mining mogul, Motsepe’s 11th-hour intervention means Banyana will leave on time for the global showpiece that will be organised in New Zealand and Australia in two groups on Wednesday and Thursday.

MOTSEPE INTERVENES TO SOLVE SAFA, BANYANA DEBACLE

According to local publications, the Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Motsepe has decided to get involved to ensure the national team, Banyana focuses on the World Cup tournament.

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Sport24, has it that the 61-year-old CAF president is expected to reveal details of his mediation in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

“This dispute involving the women’s team was a major embarrassment not just for South Africa, but all of Africa,” said a CAF source.

“Something had to be done, and quickly, with some South African players scheduled to leave for New Zealand on Wednesday.”

The South African understands that insufficient business-class seats for the coaches and officials forced Banyana to travel on Wednesday and Thursday.

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Motsepe helped resolve issues surrounding contracts, which squad members said did not include the $30,000 (R565 000) appearance fee promised by FIFA to each of the 23 players, reports Sport24.

CAF BOSS TO GIVE DETAILS ON WEDNESDAY

TimesLIVE reports that the wealthy businessman is set to give more details in a press conference in Sandton on Wednesday morning.

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The Masandawana owner, Motsepe is said to have played a massive role in finding a solution during the crisis meeting with SAFA and the Banyana players – some reports reveal that he pledged R8 million towards the bonuses.

As The South African published, Banyana players boycotted their send-off match against Botswana on Sunday afternoon, citing the poor standard of the pitch at Tsakanae Stadium.

Apart from the bonus and pitch issue, media reports suggest that the players were against playing a low-ranked Botswana as part of preparations.

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This comes as Banyana will face top-ranked sides such as Sweden (3^rd), Italy (16^th), and Argentina who are ranked at number 28 in global standings.