Women’s football is not taken seriously: Baloyi

University of Johannesburg (UJ) ladies football side coach Jabulile Baloyi says the women’s game is not taken seriously by authorities.

This comes at the back of her side’s Safa National Women’s league match with First Touch Academy started 90 minutes late due to the unavailability of referees on Saturday in Polokwane.

Baloyi says it is disappointing, especially because nothing like this would pass in the men’s game.

Baloyi believes that the coaches in the league need to have a review session of the first half of the inaugural season that will come with recommendations for improvements.

Baloyi emphasizes that women cannot continue to be treated unfairly adding that this also influences the attraction of sponsors.

Baloyi also says that some things do not need to wait for review sessions as they are too basic and can be avoided.

In previous matches staged in Limpopo, there have been delays to kick-off due to lack of balls, pitches being marked while teams are warming up and the absence of substitution board.

The officiating has also come under the microscope with Baloyi encouraging coaches in the league to be vocal about their challenges.

Meanwhile, First Touch mentor John Hlako agrees with Baloyi that the ladies game is not given priority. Hlako says this is a first in his coaching career adding that someone must take responsibility for Saturday’s mess.

UJ won the match 4-2 after coming down from 2-0.

Safa Limpopo President Jack Maluleke says the association regrets what happened and they are committed to making whoever responsible accountable.

“We can’t be treated this way, we can’t~ @UJ_Sport coach @JabulileBaloyi” on the unavailability of referees saga in the #SNWL in Polokwane this past weekend. #SabcNews @SPORTATSABC pic.twitter.com/POh0xCYGYH

— Rakgadi’a bana (@ngwanamogoto) November 25, 2019

– Report by Lethabo Kganyago