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Banyana Banyana are heading on the first flight home after their worst Olympic Games tournament.
The team failed to win any games, didn’t score goals, and only managed to collect a single point. They lost to Sweden and China before managing a goalless draw against hosts Brazil.
Coach Vera Pauw made a heartfelt plea to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) authorities and their 16 clubs to come to Banyana’s rescue.
“I’m appealing to the PSL clubs to have ladies football clubs that will also compete in the league,” said Pauw.
“Imagine if Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and the other clubs had ladies teams? That would breathe life into women’s football in South Africa. The PSL should seriously consider starting a women’s league; it will go a long way towards boosting the women’s game in this country.” Mamelodi Sundowns already have a ladies team and Pauw would be delighted if the other clubs would follow suit.
On her team’s campaign in Rio, Pauw insisted that they had nothing to be ashamed of.
“We are ranked number 55 and all the other teams are in the top 10. The idea of being here was to get used to playing against the biggest nations in the world, not to win the Games.”
