South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that national sports teams will receive bonuses.
Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, the Minister revealed that the South African men’s national football team will receive R5 million. The women’s national football team, the under-20 national team, and the women’s cricket team, which finished second in the World Cup, will each receive R1 million.
“As we move toward the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December and January, and the World Cup next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, my message is simple: let’s stand behind our team,” McKenzie said.
“However, we must be honest — part of our challenges stem from inadequate staffing and support. I therefore call on South African companies and potential sponsors to step up. We need you to stand with Bafana Bafana and all our national teams. The players have done their part; now it’s our turn.”
The Minister also announced that efforts are underway to introduce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in South African leagues to correct on-field refereeing errors. The government has approved an initial budget of over R20 million for the project.
“We are proud to work hand in hand with SAFA, FIFA, and CAF to bring VAR to our leagues and establish a system that will serve as a model for the rest of Africa,” McKenzie added.