More reasons for Banyana Banyana to boost morale after bonus dispute with SAFA? CAF increases WAFCON prize money by 100%

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the prize money for this year's Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has been increased by 100%.

Additionally, the total prize money has been increased by 45%. The increase of the prize money means the winner will get USD 1 million, which is equivalent to R 18 million.

The runners-up will receive USD 500,000, which equals R9m; bronze medallists are guaranteed USD 350,000, which is equivalent to over R6m; and the team that finishes fourth will get USD 300,000, which is in the region of R5m.

“CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of women’s football in Africa," Motsepe said, as per CAFOnline.

"The 100% increase in the prize money of the winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 and the 45% total increase in the prize money of this competition should contribute to the increase of the salaries of women football players, coaches, and employees," he added.

"The quality and standard of women’s football in Africa is consistently improving and is world-class."

"We are excited about the substantial increase in the number of fans, broadcasting viewers, and sponsors in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024. This competition is going to be enormously successful.”

The good news comes days after the Banyana camp in Morocco was hit by a crisis that reportedly emerged from bonuses that had not yet been paid to the players.

According to reports, the South African Football Association (SAFA) had not settled bonuses for their match against Malawi in April and for the three-nation games that involved Botswana and Zambia.

Should Banyana defend the WAFCON title in Morocco, they are guaranteed to get double the amount of prize money they earned by winning the title in the last edition.

After SAFA cleared the air over the bonus issues and the players resumed training, their focus is now firmly on defending the title.

The tournament will begin on July 5 and will run to July 26. South Africa are in Group C and will face Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali.

Their opening match will see them battle the Black Starlets of Ghana on July 7 before playing Mali on July 11. Mzansi will conclude group matches with a showdown against Mali on July 14.