Footballers' union to address Bafana Bafana’s match fee dispute amid SAFA’s financial and leadership turmoil

Bafana Bafana players pose for a team photograph ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in Cape Town. Photo: Safa via X

Bafana Bafana players pose for a team photograph ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in Cape Town. Photo: Safa via X

Published Dec 4, 2024

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The Football Union of South Africa (FUSA) will reportedly meet with a number of Bafana Bafana players to discuss issues of non-payment of match fees over the last three national team camps.

Over the last three international windows, Bafana Bafana have performed well on the field and secured their place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations with wins over Uganda, South Sudan and Congo. And according to a report in KickOff, players and support staff have allegedly not been paid over that time.

"If not today, then tomorrow, we will speak to the national team players. Players are willing to share their experiences with us," FUSA secretary Taelo Motloung told the publication.

"According to SAFA, they are facing financial difficulties, including debts and owing money to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). They cite the expenses of travelling across Africa for the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers as part of the problem.

"However, not paying your players for the last three camps is unacceptable," said Motloung.

"We will investigate what promises were made to the players to get their agreement for this situation. This issue must be addressed and resolved before AFCON in Morroco."

Motloung went on to add: "Despite all our national teams doing well, SAFA is letting them down. The problems lie within the administration, which is failing Bafana Bafana.

IOL Sport did reach out to SAFA for comment on the matter, and this story will be updated when they eventually respond.

The news come on the heels of SAFA president Danny Jordaan's arrest on fraud and theft charges last month.

It is alleged that between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan used the organisation's bank accounts for his personal use, including hiring a private security company for his protection, and a public relations company without authorisation from the SAFA Board.

Jordaan was released on R20,000 bail, and is due back in court this Thursday. 

IOL Sport