SAFA TD says lack of proper development is the root cause for SA not importing women players

In years gone by, South Africa had a sizable number of players plying their trade abroad, but the figure has since dwindled drastically, something Steenbok says comes from the bottom of the food chain. Earlier this year, the Shamase twins, Sphumelele and Thubelihle were scooped by FC Gintra in Lithuania after leaving the University of Johannesburg Ladies team. The SAFA Technical Director told SABC Sport that the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria, credited with producing talented players previously, has not come to the party in recent times.

READ: Rulani Mokwena reacts to Wydad Casablanca appointment

''The era of Fran Hilton-Smith - they have done a very good job, also the High Performance Centre was very key, now the HPC has been struggling a lot. The likes of Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana are products of that. I think we need to first strengthen the High Performance Centre and strengthen our football in the regions, as you can see - schools football is coming strong. So the scouting also has to come up a little bit strong. I am worried about a province like the Eastern Cape - they have thrown in a lot of good players, but when you see teams there struggling in the Hollywoodbets Super League. It is important that we start training coaches there, like I said the HPC has been a bit of a problem and also for us not having an under-23 team, that big step for a player to move from Hollywoodbets to that level has been a little bit of a challenge,'' said Steenbok.

Steenbok adds that whilst South Africa has a high number of qualified coaches in the top divisions, there is still a big need in the lower leagues as that is where the development starts.

''We need more of these qualified coaches not only in the Hollywoodbets Super League but in the Sasol League and in the regional league - so that's what needs to happen there. For me the HPC it's a bit of a challenge - we have not really had the best players that can really step up, and the under-23 is a challenge, we need to close that gap there,'' added Steenbok.

Regarding Banyana Banyana, Steenbok says now is the time to forge ahead and start preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

 ''It is important for now to be able to say, let's get to Cosafa and have a good show. Let's get to WAFCON and defend it again, bring in new players and increase the number of international matches we have for coach Desiree. And of course prepare for 2027,'' concluded Steenbok.

The SAFA TD is however excited that in terms of SAFA’s vision, both Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana are on the right track.

 Steenbok showered Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies with praise regarding their trip to the USA next month where they will play in The Women’s Cup in Missouri – the first African team to be invited to the tournament. Sundowns will face hosts Kansas City Current in their opening match.