Chiefs and Bafana legend blasts SAFA, Banyana for ugly standoff

Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has lashed out at ugly scenes and standoff that rocked the nation involving SAFA and Banyana.

Khumalo weighed in on the standoff between the country’s governing body, the South African Football Association, and the national women’s team, Banyana calling it a disgrace.

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The retired midfield powerhouse said the two, SAFA and Banyana didn’t show professionalism and respect to Botswana who were prepared for the match at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday.

The standoff resulted from protesting Banyana players who didn’t want to play the game at a venue that was not deemed fit to play professional matches.

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Khumalo has called the scenes and the widely publicised fracas a disgrace, adding he played a crucial role in the success of football in the country to be recognised internationally.

Coach Desire Elis’ Banyana side was scheduled to face Botswana ahead of jetting out of the country to the FIFA World Cup on Sunday afternoon.

However, the players boycotted the friendly clash owing to the quality of the pitch which is not of good standard.

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Moreover, reports surfaced that the African champions, Banyana also protested to play the match due to bonus-related issues.

As things stand, there are no Premier Soccer League or DStv Premiership matches that are played at the venue in Ekurhuleni as SAFA and the PSL labelled it as unfit to host matches.

“They (Botswana) really wanted this game. To them they want to play, they are looking at this team as Banyana and they are showing professionalism,” Khumalo said on SABC Sport.

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“Have you ever seen coach Desiree approaching the line to give instructions? No. This is something not right.

“Let’s tell the truth about our football, this is not the true reflection of what we are supposed to be seeing as South Africans and unfortunately it is out there.”

Following the ugly protest, SAFA led by president Danny Jordaan swiftly replaced the World Cup-bound team by sending players from clubs in the Hollywood Bets Super League and SASOL league in Gauteng to honour the controversial clash.

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As a sign of solidarity and unity, the decorated legend who made his name at Chiefs and Bafana, Khumalo said these players should have not accepted the last-minute call to play this match.

“Why are you going to play when people are fighting? This is a disgrace. Why are they honouring the game when they know they are not ready to play because you can tell they are still being developed,” he added.

“Your seniors are fighting for payment issues and you are saying ‘You crazy, we are going to play?’ They deserve the 5-0 loss. Who chose them?

“What I’m looking at is a shame and disgrace, because I did so much to make this flag to be recognised in the world and people come and do this?

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“What are we doing there? This is not all about Banyana because even Bafana is reflected badly here. The truth needs to be told. Why do they honour this game? They can’t play, they can’t. They are exposed.”

It is also reported that the team heading to the eagerly awaited global showpiece in Australia and New Zealand travelled to watch the game but they were initially not allowed to enter the stand to watch the match, leading to another commotion but they were eventually allowed in.