The funds will cover outstanding match fees and ensure players receive their salaries ahead of the festive season.

In November, Sunday World reported that SAFA owed match fees and bonuses to players from both Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana for the past two camps. The situation prompted players to seek help from the South African Football Players Union.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie offered the advance with a stipulation: the amount will be deducted from SAFA's grant for the 2025 financial year.

Additionally, SAFA must provide a detailed explanation for its financial struggles and submit a viable turnaround plan to prevent a recurrence

SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao explained in correspondence with the Mckenzie that the federation's financial troubles stem from insufficient sponsorship revenues and delayed payments from partners.

She added that a financial turnaround strategy aimed at increasing revenue and cutting costs is being finalised and will be presented to the Minister following the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting.

The funding comes at a critical time as SAFA continues to grapple with financial difficulties, including unpaid match fees and bonuses owed to players from both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. These challenges prompted players to seek assistance from the South African Football Players Union. Despite financial woes, both teams have delivered remarkable performances. Bafana Bafana recently qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with two games to spare and achieved third place in the last Afcon. Under coach Hugo Broos, the team has regained its competitive edge, drawing fans back to the stadiums. Banyana Banyana, meanwhile, have set a high standard for South African football, securing the 2022 Women's Afcon title and making an impressive run at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

--ChannelAfrica--