SAFA's growth plan for women's soccer vague as Danny Jordaan takes dig at media

SAFA president Danny Jordaan remains vague on a renewed drive to professionalise women's soccer in the country, instead intimating that the South African media could do more to promote the cause than "pointing fingers".

The issue was once again in the spotlight earlier this week following government's announcement that its kitty for Banyana Banyana's WAFCON bonuses has swelled to R15 million as observers note that the local game simply has to capitalise on that achievement.

Women's soccer remains distinctly semi-professional in nature despite the formation of the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2019, a distinct step in the right direction but not yet substantial enough in financial pulling power.

"The PSL and Hollywoodbets Super League are the highest competitions for men and women respectively in SA. All of the sponsorships on the women’s side combined is less than any of the competitions in the PSL. Even one that runs over 2 to 3 weeks is more than the total revenue for women’s football," said Jordaan. "How many times have you seen Banyana Banyana on all of these TV stations? Never.

"How many discussions focus on women? There are always about men on these channels every day, even the referees. How many discussions and focus areas are on women? Zero. The revenue gap is now well understood. 

"You are the media, I'm not the journalist. Our Banyana stars mentioned how many of them are educated at tertiary level and how everyone's smart. I agree with her.

"Who speaks to them? Nobody. The only reprieve you have is that it's not just a problem in SA, but in the world."

READ | Banyana bonuses line in the sand as World Cup prep takes centre stage: 'There won't be a dip'

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