The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation has urged the South African Football Association (Safa) to prioritise women’s professional football.The Committee raised concerns over the issue of women’s football teams not receiving enough support financially in comparison with male football teams.

The Committee has noted the challenges faced by Safa with regard to sponsors prioritising funding for male football teams. “The Committee is aware that Safa has spent R27 million on Banyana Banyana for the Olympics, compared to the R8.9 million spent on the under-23 male football team’s preparations for Olympics. While this may look like an achievement, consistent and sustainable financial support is necessary for women professional football,” said Ms Beauty Dlulane, Chairperson of the Committee.

The Committee is encouraged by Safa’s commitment to engage the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with regard to forming a professional women’s league that will assist women to have competitive local games.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation, Ms Beauty Dlulane