Jermaine Seoposenwe Speaks Out After Banyana Retirement, Says “I Just Want to Love Football"

• Banyana Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe has retired after 110 caps, citing frustration with SAFA’s treatment of women players
• Seoposenwe revealed shocking behind-the-scenes struggles, including pay disputes, poor accommodation, and a lack of basic resources
• The 31-year-old opened up in a candid interview, saying she walked away not by choice but due to a broken system that left her disillusioned

Banyana Banyana legend Jermaine Seoposenwe has broken her silence after an emotional retirement, revealing the painful reasons behind her decision to walk away from international football after 110 caps.

The 31-year-old played her final match for South Africa in the third/fourth play-off against Ghana at the recently concluded Women's Africa Cup of Nations, a match Banyana lost 4-3.

She was part of the golden generation that lifted the WAFCON title in 2022, alongside stars like Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Lebohang Ramalepe, Janine van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, and Hildah Magaia.

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In a candid interview with Robert Marawa on 947, the 31-year-old revealed the root cause behind her decision to retire. Seoposenwe said she walked away from Banyana due to deep frustration over the treatment of players by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

What did Seoposenwe say that showntriggered the retirement?

From unresolved pay disputes to shocking resource shortages, she painted a bleak picture of a system that fails to support its women's footballers.

“I just want to love football. I don’t want to be unhappy. I don’t want to continue to struggle for things that, as a national team player, you deserve,” she lamented.

She highlighted the lack of basic professional necessities such as a dedicated dietitian and called out poor accommodation conditions during camps and tournaments.

“Every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money, we have to fight about basically everything. Why do we have to fight? FIFA gives you a calendar, why don’t you budget?” she said.

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Watch the video below:

Seoposenwe also questioned the sustainability of SAFA’s leadership structure and criticized the role of the National Executive Committee (NEC), asking whether it truly serves the needs of the players or simply maintains the status quo.

Financial challenges are a recurrent issue with Banyana Banyana

Banyana Banyana’s preparations for the tournament were marred by disruptions due to players going on strike over unpaid salaries. Seoposenwe disclosed that even before their last match, the squad went on strike again.

“It becomes difficult for you to do your job at the best of your ability… The country expects us to do amazing things, but they don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes,” she added.

See the tweet below:

The former striker expressed heartbreak over being forced to step away under such circumstances, rather than retire on her terms.

“It’s tough to walk away from the national team after 15 years. Football has given me everything. But I know what I can bring, and I know I should walk away,” she said.

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Ellis explains why Banyana lost to Nigeria.

Briefly News earlier reported that Ellis reacted to Banyana Banyana's defeat against Nigeria in the semi-finals of the WAFCON.

The Banyana Banyana head coach opened up about why her team failed to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Source: Briefly News