‘I’M GOING to build my family a house’.
Those are the words of Banyana Banyana’s gold medal winner and ‘keeper Andile Dlamini, on Tuesday.
This follows an additional funding from the national government to the tune of R15m, as declared by the minister of sport and recreation Nathi Mthethwa, during media brief, to thank the team for winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) last month in Morocco.
They beat hosts Morocco 2-1 in the finals.
The team has now been allocated R24m in bonuses and payments are being effected, promised the minister.
“We’re smart, and attend school. This means whatever little we get as bonuses or funds will be channelled to the right course. And mine is to build my family a home,” says Dlamini, at the ceremony held at SASCOC offices, Houghton.
“Fortunately, most of us are still young and tend to listen for advises and we’re grateful to our senior members who provide guidance when is most needed,” she continued.
During the team’s visit, President Ramaphosa highlighted the positive role played by women in uplifting society,” said Mthethwa.
“He consequently instructed the whole of government to see that more is given to Banyana than we initially pledged. I realise he meant this arguably as more of a request, but no minister will resist something like that.
“The finance ministry knew this was really a directive, not a request. Along with the national treasury, we came together with a plan for implementation and I’m pleased to announce a R15 million payout from government.
“I’m also pleased to honour my commitment of R5.8 million in acknowledgement of the team’s outstanding achievement. Various others have pledged to further contribute. No amount can capture our appreciation for their achievements,” says the minister.
Dlamini also made a plea to sponsors to join the bandwagon of the likes of HollywoodBets and Sasol and promote women’s football to be in the same league and standard of other European states.
Her fellow teammate who is in crushes Thembi Kgatlana, echoed the same sentiments and said her dream is to see the team progressing beyond 2023 Womens WC to be held in NZ.
“I hope by then my injury would have healed completely and join the team for WC in NZ,” says Thembi, who confirmed her Doctors and physicians have promised she has a couple of months to rehabilitate.
“I’m not saying I will easily just walk back in to the team, since other players are making their mark, but with my psychological well-being and fitness I could make a quick return to the team in time for other games and the WC,” she told this SLM.
Coach Desiree Ellis also lauded her team and said 99% of them have promised to use their money wisely and better themselves.
Image Mdu Mphahlele (Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Thembi Kgatlana, minister of sport Nathi Mthethwa, SAFA Pres Dr Danny Jordaan and ‘keeper Andile Dlamini at the press brief to announce additional R15m allocation).
