TS Galaxy Queens explain departures of fitness trainer and assistant coach

TS Galaxy Queens have said financial difficulties affecting women’s football in South Africa led to the departure of fitness trainer Lerato Matsetela and assistant coach Fikile Sithole.

The Football Union of South Africa (FUSA) said the two technical team members asked for their salaries but were subsequently told not to report for work.

However, Dudu Sukazi, chairlady of the Hollywood Bets Super League club, said the decision was made against the backdrop of wider financial pressure across the women’s game.

“Finances are a biggest challenge in the women’s league as a whole,” she said.

Sukazi explained that TS Galaxy Queens were established out of a commitment to football, rather than as a profitable venture.

“We started the TS Galaxy Queens for the love of the game, there’s no profit, there is nothing that we gaining as a club,” Sukazi told KickOff.

She said the financial support provided by the South African Football Association (SAFA) only covered a limited number of matchday costs.

“SAFA gives us very little money that only covers our matchday expenses and food,” she said.

The club provides accommodation and daily meals for its players at a clubhouse, but Sukazi said other major expenses remain the responsibility of TS Galaxy Queens.

“But we do have a clubhouse where our players are staying, and the club provides them with food each and everyday. So what SAFA gives us does very little. So salaries, flights, hotels, they all come from our own pocket. SAFA only covers food and hosting in matchday.”

Sukazi said the club had little option when staff members chose to leave because of their financial needs. She also called for greater sponsorship of women’s football in the country, while acknowledging the contribution of HollywoodBets.

“So if a member of our team decide to stop working because of money we have no choice but to accept. Everyone knows that the ladies soccer in the country needs a sponsorship. HollywoodBets are trying though.”

She added that she understood why Matsetela and Sithole had decided to step away from their roles.

“I understand they have needs, as they have said so themselves, so I told them to stop then so they can focus on their needs.”

Sukazi also said the pair had previously acknowledged the level of financial reward available when they joined the club, but that circumstances had since changed.

“When we hired them they were the first to admit it was the first time they were seeing so much money in football. But now that there are glitches they decide to quit.”