Banyana called 'mercenaries, traitors' amid boycott as Botswana surge to thumping win

Banyana Banyana were called "mercenaries" and "traitors" on Sunday as they boycotted a warm-up against Botswana ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup later this month.

READ | Banyana players boycott Botswana friendly ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup departure

South Africa's senior women's national team said the match venue (Tsakane Stadium) in the Tsakane township, 50 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg, was unsuitable for international football.

They believed playing on a surface of clay and grass could lead to injuries, and rule them out of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (20 July - 20 August).

Banyana also wanted to play their final preparatory game before flying to Oceania at a more prestigious venue like Soccer City in Johannesburg or Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Football officials called up players, including a 13-year-old, from a local league and delayed the kick-off by one hour before Botswana exploited inexperienced rivals to win 5-0.

The result against opponents ranked 96 places below South Africa was a major embarrassment as World Cup squad members said before the boycott that they wanted "stronger" opponents.

A senior South African Football Association (SAFA) official, who requested anonymity, told City Press the players were behaving like "mercenaries" and "traitors".

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Apart from the venue and opposition, Banyana are unhappy with the financial arrangements ahead of the World Cup, where they will face Sweden, Argentina and Italy in Group G.

'Players unreasonable'

According to the players, they will receive $30 000 (R565 537) each from FIFA for being at the World Cup, but nothing from SAFA.

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