Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise labelled Sunday's chaotic scenes involving the national women's team and the South African Football Association [SAFA] as 'embarrassing'.
It emerged on that the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) champions were at loggerheads with the association over bonus compensation for the 2023 World Cup, as well as the conditions surrounding their send-off match against Botswana at a below-par Tsakane Stadium.
READ | Second-String Banyana thrashed in chaotic send-off
Banyana reportedly boycotted their send-off match against in protest. Consequently, a make-shift Banyana squad with 14 uncapped players took to the field with only head coach Desiree Ellis as a technical team member and was hammered 5-0 by the visitors.
Banyana Banyana's build-up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, seems to be hitting a serious obstacle. Banyana Banyana have boycotted today's friendly against Botswana at the Tsakane Stadium. They reportedly have grievances against SAFA. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/bAMxsprkjO
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 2, 2023
Modise, who for years has been unapologetically vocal about the challenges faced by women it sports, took to social media to issue a rallying call.
"Guys, what happened today (Sunday) at Banyana is really embarrassing, but I am not surprised because when I tried to warn people about the situation that is happening in women's football and at Banyana, I was called names. I as told that I'm bitter," Modise said.
"No one saw the passion in me when I said things need to the looked and things need to change for us in women's football.
"What happened, I've been singing about it. What was happened was not fair, the suppression is too much. I was then sidelined [when I spoke out]. They said 'Portia talks to much,' so I'm making this video to say to you, you have y clips. Go back to what I've been saying, there is nothing right now I can say that I haven't said or was judged for, that we need help."
Fellow South Africans its time to show up for our @Banyana_Banyana ladies. Let us all show them love and support as they preparing to represent our country in the Women's World Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/mrHvaC28mk
— PortiaBashinModise (@modiseportia12) July 3, 2023
Banyana's all-time leading goal scorer also sent a public plea to players and Ellis.
"It's not about the generation that is playing today, it's about the next generation and the next generation. They need to have better conditions," added Modise.
"I'm just saying to my girls, Banyana: it's about team work. We have a female e CEO, we have a female coach, stop hiding, tell the truth, tell the truth so the country can help. Coach Des, I have never had a problem with you but don't betray your players, stand up."
Banyana have a final warm-up match to play away against Costa Rica on 15 July, just days before taking on Sweden in their opening match of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
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