Government to hold SAFA accountable on Women's Professional League

When Banyana Banyana returned from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia a few months ago, commitments were made by SAFA that the professionalisation of women’s football is linked to their bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

However, with the association having since withdrawn from bidding for the 2027 showpiece, Mafu says they will still hold SAFA accountable for implementing this.

READ: CEO and administration review tops agenda of new BSA board

"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 said.

Interestingly, earlier this week, government introduced the new Eminent Person’s Group that holds federations accountable on transformation and other progress areas that are needed by government.

Sitting in that committee is former SAFA Vice-President Ria Ledwaba, who was the brains behind the conceptualisation of the National Women’s League – now known as the Hollywoodbets Super League.

Mafu maintains the importance of going ahead with the professionalisation of women’s football.

"We are very clear about it. 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.