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We’ll hold SAFA accountable: Mafu

todayDecember 1, 2023 116

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Deputy Sport Minister, Nocawe Mafu, says the Ministry will hold the South African Football Association (SAFA) to its word of professionalising women’s football in the country.

SAFA made the commitment a few months ago following pressure to do so.

The football association had said the professionalisation of the women’s football was linked to their bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Amid concerns over whether this is still the case after the organisation pulled out of the race, Mafu says, SAFA has no way out of its commitment.

“Look, the professionalisation of football in the country for women is something that we are very clear about. We will make sure that we hold them accountable both as government and the Eminent Person’s Group that has just been appointed has got that obligation as well because for us the importance is making sure that the women’ s football growth in the country is linked to the professionalisation. If you are not professionalising then what are you doing? So, yes that issue is still very critical to us,” Mafu says.

“We meet with federations from time to time and we always ask them to report on progress on certain things and one of the things that we always ask SAFA about, what is the plan? How far are you on the professionalisation of women sports.

That one we are very clear about, we are not gonna be dropping the ball. It is whether they bid in 2031, whether they bid in 2035, the point is professionalisation of women sport is critical,” she added. Article by Ntsako Mkhari

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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