SAFA in partnership with Sasol, proud sponsors of Banyana Banyana, have set aside one milion rand bonus for the South African Senior Women’s National Team following their qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) in partnership with Sasol, proud sponsors of Banyana Banyana, have set aside one milion rand bonus for the South African Senior Women’s National Team following their qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games which will be staged in August.

Sasol, through Elton Fortuin, the Sasol Vice President Group Communications and Brand Management, announced at a Press Conference on Wednesday, 21 October at SAFA House that they will be awarding the players half a million rand for qualification.

SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble, who was also in attendance, responded.

“As the Association, we would like to thank Sasol for the generous offer they are givng to our players, and as such, we will match what is already put on the table – in simple terms, the plaeyrs will share a cool one million rand among themselves for qualification. This has been a hard road for everyone and we would not have done had it not be for partners like Sasol. That is why we also feel we have to also show support and appreciation to the team,” said Mumble.

“But I must reiterate what Sasol said, this money is for the players, the technical team and support staff will be dealt with at a later stage.”

The event was also attended by some Banyana Banyana players – captain Janine van Wyk, Amanda Dlamini, Rhoda Mulauzi, Bongiwe Thusi, Refiloe Jane, Lerato Kgasago, Yolula Tsawe and Andile Dlamini.

“This is a great day for the team and for women’s football in general. I just hope this is the beginning of new and good things. We would like to thank SAFA for all the support they have given us to be able to reach this great milestone, and how can we forget our proud sponsor Sasol, who have been with us through thick and thin. They continued to believe in us when nobody did, and for that we owe our qualification to your never-ending belief in us. Although you can’t make promises in football, we would like to assure all gathered here that we will do our best to get out of the group stages this time around,” said Van Wyk.

“I can’t take my smile off my face, and the gesture from both SAFA and Sasol just make me emotional, and now I realise that everything was worth it in the end. The words from the players really touched me and I am glad I went all the way with them. To hear them say such things about me from the bottom of their hearts is really touching. These are words I will forever keep with me. I should also say thanks to them for the support they gave me during trying times. I hear people saying “mission accomplished” but I say this is just the beginning,” said an emotional Banyana Banyana head coach Vera Pauw.