Skilful South African midfielder Robyn Kimberly Moodaly has surprised many after she decided to step aside from the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad to “take care of her mental well-being.”
In an emotionally-penned post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the JVW captain said she needed time out and will now focus on club football in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
“Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. It is with a heavy heart that I would like to inform you all that I will be stepping away from the South African National Women’s Team – Banyana Banyana. My decision is a personal choice and is rooted in my commitment to taking care of my mental well-being. I will continue to play football at a club level, with my love and passion for the game remaining unchanged. I am committed to continuously improving and growing within my career for as long as possible and welcoming new opportunities that may lie ahead,” she said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my coaches and teammates who have been a part of my journey. You have all had a profound impact on my career, and I am forever grateful for the support and guidance you have provided. To my fans and supporters, thank you for your unwavering support and for always rallying behind us as we took to the field, representing our country with pride and passion. Your encouragement and enthusiasm have meant the world to me. To my family, who have supported me throughout my journey, I appreciate all the sacrifices you’ve made to help me achieve my goals and thank you for always standing by me. I wish the team all the best in their future endeavours, and I will continue to support them as a proud fan for now.”
Born 29 years ago in East London in the Eastern Cape, Moodaly made her debut for Banyana Banyana at the young age of 16 in 2011.
At the time, she had already been to the 2010 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago alongside current Senior Women’s National teammates Kaylin Swart (JVW teammate), Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Nomvula Kgoale, under the tutelage of Solly Luvhengo.
She would go on to represent her country at major tournaments – the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 in France, and 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
Moodaly was part of the history-making squad that saw Banyana Banyana crowned African Champions after lifting the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco – beating the hosts in the final.
Her last appearance in a South African national team jersey was last month (24 September 2023) when they lost 3-0 against former World Champions, USA in Chicago.
She was in the starting line-up before being withdrawn in the 53rd minute, making way for Melinda Kgadiete.
The JVW captain has made 44 appearances for her country with two goals to her name.
Meanwhile Banyana Banyana Head Coach Desiree Ellis has come out in support of the midfielder.
In a statement from the Football Association, she had this to say:
“I am glad to see that she’s taking charge of her mental health, and that she’s come out and spoken about it because it is real, and we will support her as much as we can.”
Her sentiments were echoed by the SAFA Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Monyepao, who added that they were full behind the player.
“Robyn is a national asset, and as SAFA we will support her all the way. We also need to commend her bravery in coming out and sharing her thoughts because most athletes are suffering in silence. The mental wellness of athletes is a global challenge and we will help Robyn in whatever way she wants us to. We want to wish her all the best,” said Monyepao.
Moodaly’s departure comes just under two weeks before Banyana Banyana kickstart their campaign book a place in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
They will face DR Congo in the second round of the qualifiers set to be played between 23 and 31 October 2023, with the first leg away.
By Matlhomola Morake
