The South African Football Association (Safa) is grappling with a serious financial crisis, as evidenced by a recent memo from CEO Lydia Monyepao informing employees of delayed salary payments due to one of its partners failing to meet its financial commitments. This announcement, made on Monday, has sent shockwaves throughout the association, highlighting ongoing issues that threaten to destabilise operations.
According to Monyepao’s memo, Safa does not possess sufficient financial reserves to cover the shortfall resulting from the partner’s delay. “Unfortunately, at this stage, we do not have adequate financial reserves to make up for this delayed payment,” she stated, underscoring the precarious position the association has found itself in.
This situation is not new for Safa employees, allegedly senior managers experienced delayed salary payments as recently as December. The association’s financial crisis has long been a troubling issue, raising serious questions about its sustainability and functionality. In December, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie had to step in to assist Safa by providing a bailout for match fees owed to the national team, Bafana Bafana, a clear indicator of the association’s struggling finances.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, a concerned staff member expressed frustration: “It is a fact that Safa is broke, and we cannot go on like this. What would happen if the partner doesn’t pay at all?” This sentiment encapsulates the anxiety many employees feel as they witness the association’s slow descent into deeper financial woes.
In a sign of the seriousness of this crisis, reports have emerged that Safa is considering significant cuts to its operations, including reducing the under-20 team sent to the CAF Under-20 Afcon in Ivory Coast. This has prompted an outcry from Technical Director Walter Steenbok, who has openly accused the association of sabotaging its own future in a fit of anger over these drastic measures.
As per reports from insiders, the outlook is bleak, with one stating, “We are on the brink of collapse, and this is the beginning of the end. The next thing, there won’t be any programmes happening because there is no money.” With voices inside Safa echoing the need for immediate action, the stakes have never been higher for the association and its future in South African football.