They were initially scheduled to play against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. But the national South African women's football team, Banyana Banyana raised concerns over the poor condition of the stadium's playing field as well as issues linked to salary disputes. The kick-off time was meant for 15h00 on Sunday, but the match was been postponed to a later time. The players threatened to boycott the international friendly altogether. The players say they deserve better treatment and a more suitable and safer location ahead of the World Cup. They lost 5-0 to Botswana.

DISRESPECTED

The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa has called for calm after the players refused to play at the Tsakane Stadium over the poor condition of the playing field and issues linked to salary disputes. They feel that they had not been treated with respect. South African Football Players Union (SAPFU) have alleged that Banyana Banyana never made a decision to boycott the game and were surprised when they were told on the team bus they would not be playing.

FROM THE MINISTER

The minister urged the team to rather focus on the upcoming world cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand which is 18 days away. "It has come to my attention that there are serious concerns that have been expressed by Banyana Banyana, the South African women's national football team, which have been brought to the attention of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Football Players Union (SAPFU)," he shares in a statement. "I have been in contact with the President of SAFA, Dr. Danny Jordaan, and have received written communication from SAPFU. In the meantime, I urge the team to be focused on the major task that lies ahead - taking every opportunity to prepare to participate and display their immense skill and talent in one of the biggest sporting showcases in the world, the FIFA World Cup."