While the focus of attention for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad for the upcoming two Malawi friendly matches will be on the farewell of legends Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo Nyandeni, there will be two other reasons to celebrate.
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and forward Noxolo Cesane are on the verge of a half century of appearances for their country.
The JVW goal minder is currently on 49 while the Saudi Arabia-based Capetonian will need the two games against the Scorchers of Malawi to reach the magical 50 caps.
The 31-year-old Swart first tasted the South African Senior National football in 2016 playing against the USA.
But prior to that, she was part of the 2010 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago alongside current JVW teammates, Robyn Moodaly and Jabulile Mazibuko, as well as among others, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nomvula Kgoale, Octavia Nogwanya and Rachel Sebati.
The Port Elizabeth-born Swart was also included in South Africa’s maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 in France – this was after an appearance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and also winning the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 in Morocco.
Speaking from the Banyana Banyana camp ahead of the two games against Malawi, Swart had this to say:
“I know, it’s crazy. I never thought that 50 would come around but I’m so grateful for this honor and i couldn’t be prouder of my journey. It was never easy, but I got this far and it’s only the beginning. I will give my everything to this country until the day I hang my gloves,” said a beaming Swart.
Cesane burst onto the Banyana Banyana scene in 2019 but did not make the World Cup squad.
She, however, was to be one of the stars in the historical triumph over Morocco in 2022 when South Africa became continental champions for the first time ever – a title they are hoping to defend in July this year.
The 25-year-old has since been an ever present in the national team with five goals to her name. Formerly with Cape Town Roses in the Sasol League, and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in the Hollywoodbets Super League, Cesane had a stint with Stade Reims in France where she signed her first professional contract. She also played in Mexico for UANL Tigress, Thembi Kgatlana’s current employers.
Swart and Cesane join an elite group of esteemed players to have reached half a century of caps – including record holder for the most capped player on the continent, both male and female – the retired Janine van Wyk, who is Swart’s coach at JVW – she is on a magical 185 matches.
The last player to celebrate 50 caps in a Banyana Banyana jersey was midfielder Kholosa Biyana in October last year in the 5-0 defeat against Denmark.
BANYANA BANYANA 50+ CAPS:
| CAPS | GOALS | ||
| Janine VAN WYK (retired) | 185 | 12 | |
| Noko MATLOU | 173 | 66 | |
| Nompumelelo NYANDENI | 149 | 39 | |
| Nothando VILAKAZI | 137 | 7 | |
| Refiloe JANE | 136 | 16 | |
| Portia MODISE (retired) | 124 | 101 | |
| Mamello MAKHABANE | 121 | 22 | |
| Lebohang RAMALEPE | 106 | 4 | |
| Amanda DLAMINI (retired) | 105 | 24 | |
| Jermaine SEOPOSENWE | 102 | 21 | |
| Leandra SMEDA | 100 | 22 | |
| Bambanani MBANE | 87 | 4 | |
| Thembi KGATLANA | 83 | 32 | |
| Linda MOTLHALO | 83 | 21 | |
| Andile DLAMINI (GK) | 74 | 0 | |
| Sanah MOLLO | 73 | 21 | |
| Kholosa BIYANA | 53 | 2 | |
| Kaylin Swart (GK) | 49 | 0 | |
| Noxolo Cesane | 48 | 5 |
By Matlhomola Morake
