Banyana dumped into crisis ahead of Women's World Cup
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa is set to meet with the South Africa Football Players Union (Safpu) on Tuesday.
The meeting comes amid the team's refusal to take to the field for a friendly against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium.
The players were unhappy with the choice of venue, saying it should have been played at a bigger venue.
There are also said to be issues around the signing of contracts and the payment of bonuses.
The crisis comes a mere 18 days before the start of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Department of Sports' spokesperson Litha Mpondwana says the minister has urged the team to stay focused ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
“In the meantime, I urge the team to be focused on the major task that lies ahead - of taking every opportunity to prepare to participate and display their immense skill and talent on one of the biggest sporting showcases in the world, the FIFA World Cup.
“Banyana Banyana have endeared themselves to the South African nation and continent and have also been great sports ambassadors that inspire so many in the sporting fraternity.
“Women’s development, women’s agency and voice, and women’s dignity in sport remains at the centre of the government’s gender equality agenda.
“Women players are assured of a safe environment to raise their concerns without fear of victimisation," added Mpondwana.
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