Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has apologised to the nation after the standoff between BanyanaBanyana and the South African Football Association (Safa) over Fifa World Cup bonuses, and vowed negotiations beginning today would resolve the matter.
A row that brought national embarrassment saw a weakened Banyana team assembled at the last minute face Botswana in their final local friendly at Tsakane Stadium yesterday, while regular players arrived when the match was already under way.
Speaking during the press conference after the match, which SA lost 0-5, Lesufi offered an apology to South Africans and also visiting Botswana but promised a deal would be reached soon as talks over the matter begin today. “The players never took a collective decision not to honour this fixture, there were issues they felt needed to be attended,” said Lesufi, who was flanked by Banyana captain Refiloe Jane and Safa president Danny Jordaan. Neither were allowed to speak, however.
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