SEDIBENG.- Although Banyana Banyana will once again participate in the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Vaal will not be “represented” in the field of play.

In fact, for the past five years, no player from the Vaal has been part of the South African women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana. This is strange, considering how this region has produced Banyana Banyana stars in the past.

Rose ‘Pona’ Jijane and Refiloe ‘Maestro’ Mathibela are two of the players who were once part of the Banyana Banyana team.

This is because women’s football in this region is gradually going to the dogs.

In the past, this region was one of the powerhouses when it came to women’s football, with teams like Bophelong Ladies FC dominating local women’s football. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, former Bophelong Ladies FC owner Jabu Khumalo said it is not the Banyana Banyana coaches’ fault for not having players from Vaal.

Khoza said this is because the standard of football is no longer the same and the league is not as competitive as before. His sentiments were echoed by Lebamang Tshabalala, who is one of the notable names in women’s football. Tshabalala said in the past, Banyana Banyana would have a player from Vaal, but recently things have changed.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that there are still talented female soccer players in this region, but the biggest challenge is the football administrators in this region.

He said they don’t take women’s football seriously, and this has demoralised the spirit of players.