We fight for money & everything - South Africa striker quits Bayana Bayana

Former Banyana Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe has finally opened up about the emotional and painful reasons behind her decision to retire from international football.

She cited deep-rooted unhappiness with the national team environment and the South African Football Association (SAFA).

In an interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide, the 31-year-old, who helped South Africa win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022, revealed that leaving the team was one of the hardest decisions of her career, but ultimately a necessary one.

“It’s tough for me to walk away from my teammates, the people of South Africa, and how they supported me. But I haven’t been happy in the national team for a long time,” she said.

Seoposenwe did not hold back in addressing the systemic issues within SAFA and the national team structure, pointing to a lack of proper planning, respect, and equitable treatment for female players.

She said, “Every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money and basically everything. Why can’t you budget for those FIFA dates? Why is it so impossible to do well by us?”

She detailed the poor support given to players, revealing that the team received only R15,000 bonuses for victories, often against lower-ranked teams, and lacked access to basic resources such as professional dietitians and adequate facilities.

“When you are treated the way you need to be treated, then come back to an environment where you aren’t treated the way you want to be treated, it becomes difficult for you to do your job to the best of your abilities.

“I’m happy, vibrant, just a completely different person. When you are treated the way you deserve at club level, and then come back to an environment where that respect is absent, it’s hard to do your job well," she added.

She continued, “I know what I bring to the team. But the environment isn’t allowing me to give my best anymore. Out of respect for my teammates and the people of South Africa, I had to walk away. This is not who I am.”

Seoposenwe bows out of international football as a WAFCON champion, World Cup participant, and a major name in South African women’s football.