It’s been 14 months she last kicked a soccer ball, but young Banyana Banyana sensation, Wendy Shongwe, looks to be on the mend following an ACL operation last year.
The University of Pretoria forward was stretchered off in the clash against then newcomers, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) last year (Saturday, 9 March 2024), and hasn’t been on the field since.
On the same day she scored a brace in the first half – with the two goals enough to see Tuks win 2-1 at the University of Pretoria Stadium in Tshwane.
Shongwe missed out on the entire year with the national team where she had already established herself as one of the regulars in the squad.
Her last appearance for country was in the WAFCON qualifiers in October 2023 – these were home and away fixtures against DR Congo.
Since then Banyana Banyana have faced:
- Burkina Faso home and away (November/December 2023);
- Tanzania home and away (February 2024);
- Nigeria home and away (April 2024);
- Senegal home and away (June 2024);
- Denmark;
- England;
- Jamaica – two away games (November/December) and
- Malawi – two home matches (April 2025)
CentreCircle.online understands that her expected return to action is set for the end of this month or early in June – but she now in a race against time to see if she can make the WAFCON squad in two months’ time (July -August 2025).
Shongwe was part of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad that won gold in Morocco at the continental championship.
She also went to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – the only uncapped player in the team.
The 22 year old featured in two matches – the 3-2 win over Italy, as well as in the 2-0 loss to the Netherlands.
Prior to her injury, she was on the wanted list of several teams, it will be interesting to see if those clubs still have eyes for her – but whatever happens, her return to the game will be a welcome boost to both club and country.
Banyana Banyana are expected to assemble for a training camp from 26 May 2025 – which will be the final FIFA window period before the WAFCON in July – as head coach Desiree Ellis prepares to finalise her travelling squad to Morocco.
By Matlhomola Morake
