Banyana Banyana’s long-serving defender Janine van Wyk has not lost any hope of playing the two matches needed for her to break African record of all-time appearances.
She is currently sitting on 183 caps and was meant to have achieved the feat of being the most capped footballer on the continent – male or female – last month when the South African Senior Women’s National team took on DR Congo last month in two games for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.
But she was an unused substitute in the first leg, played in Kinshasa, leaving her distraught and left the national team camp, making herself unavailable for the second leg at Orlando Stadium.
Van Wyk had already announced her retirement from the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, but it appears there is renewed hope for her to surpass Egyptian Ahmed Hassan who is on 184 caps.
It’s two more caps to go and I hope to have another opportunity against Burkina Faso – the one upcoming before I actually hang up my boots. So, it is for the coach to make a decision on what she is going to do, but it is not only for myself but for a female footballer to grab hold of that record, to inspire youngsters young football female footballers as well in our country and all-around Africa, so hopefully we break that record,” Van Wyk told CentreCircle.onlile.
According to the JVW defender, there have been behind-the-scenes talks regarding the matter.
“I have been in contact with the Association and just waiting for the coach to make a decision.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach Desiree Ellis will announce her squad on Thursday, 22 November in Johannesburg, and it remains to be seen if Van Wyk will finally have the last dance.
It is also not clear if the former national team captain will linger on at club level with the club expected to make an announcement after their final match of the Hollywoodbets Super League season against the University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) on Sunday, 26 November.
On the national team front, the three-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year is not expected to tinker much with the squad that did duty against DR Congo last month.
Noko Matlou, who plays in Spain, has sorted out her residence permit is available for selection.
Bambanani Mbane and Sibulele Holweni have not been considered due to injuries.
There are, however, doubts about captain Refiloe Jane who has started training with her Italian side Sassuolo since her injury at the World Cup in August; Bongeka Gamede who missed UWC’s crucial clash against JVW this past weekend because of a niggling injury; Nomvula Kgoale and Tiisetso Makhubela who both withdrew from the DR Congo assignment, also because of injury.
Robyn Moodaly is also sitting out Banyana Banyana’s final match of the year after taking time out to take care of her mental well-being.
The South Africans will assemble on Sunday (26 November).
By Matlhomola Morake
