Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane has revealed to CentreCircle.online that she is on the mend and almost ready to return to action.
She hasn’t kicked a ball in months after parting ways with Italian employers Sassuolo FC in June this year.
Upon her return to South Africa, she underwent an operation in August after playing through pain for long periods because of the injury she sustained at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Argentina in Australia.

“I’ve started training, which is good and without pain or without any problems. So, step by step I am going to be starting with my conditioning and football training in the coming few days. By the beginning of the year, I should be back to full training,” said a relieved Jane.

The anticipated return will be welcomed news for Dr Desiree Ellis, head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana. The team is currently in Jamaica to play two friendly international matches in preparation for next year’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa are the defending champions, and Ellis would want her best soldiers available for the war.
Jane last featured for her country in the ill-fated Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against Nigeria in April.
She missed the clashes against Senegal in June and was not part of the European tour vs Denmark and England last month.
The clash with the Reggae Girlz will be the final assignment of the year for South Africa.

“The games against Jamaica are very important as these are for preparing the team for the upcoming WAFCON where the team is looking forward to defending the title. These games give other players a chance to play to be seen and to cement their place in their national team,” added Jane.

The midfielder is one the many regulars missing from the Jamaica mission for various reasons.
Sundowns Ladies’ trio of Bambanani Mbane, Nthabiseng Majiya and Karabo Dhlamini have joined Jane in the medical recovery room, along with USA-based Hilda Magaia. Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana were not available due to club commitments while Sinoxolo Cesane was left out – all three players ply their trade in Mexico. Sibulele Holweni was withdrawn due to illness.
Jane believes the absence of so many key players could affect the team.

“Playing without the key players will affect the team but it also gives them the other players a chance to showcase their talent because this is an opportunity for them to play. Sometimes they don’t get to play when the key players are there but now it’s their time to step up,” said Jane.
“So, we’re going to see a lot of players now needing to take a leadership role, and we’re hoping that the players that will be given a chance will raise their hands and make sure that they make it difficult for the coaches to consider other players.”

Banyana Banyana face Jamaica on Saturday morning (29 November 2024) at 3am South African time.
The clash against the 42nd world ranked Reggae Girlz takes place Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Jane says this game is a good measuring stick for how far South Africa has come.

“When playing international teams, you get to measure yourself in terms of the standard of play. We have the Hollywoodbets Super League, which is our highest league and it’s not professional, and you only get to be professional when you get to the national team. So, in that regard we are able to measure ourselves on how much work we still need to do on so many levels, tactically, technically and so on, so such games are very important not only for the players but also for the coaches,” concluded Jane.

In the absence of Jane and vice-captain Kgatlana, Sundowns Ladies defender Lebohang Ramalepe will lead the team.
By Matlhomola Morake