Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has included Janine van Wyk in her final squad for the Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will restore her dream of breaking Africa’s all-time record for the most capped player.
South Africa will play Burkina Faso later this month in Ivory Coast, before hosting them at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on December 4.
Van Wyk, 36, announced her retirement early this year but made a U-turn as she was called up to surpass the long-standing record of 184 caps set by former Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Hassan.
The former Banyana captain currently sits on 183 caps and only requires two games to eclipse the record.
Safa, Ellis at loggerheads
Announcing her 24-member squad at the Safa House in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg on Thursday, Ellis emphasised the importance of breaking the record – saying it will mean a great deal for Safa and women’s football on the continent.
“We will do our utmost best to get her those two caps. It will not only be the record for her but a record for women’s football in the country, on the continent and for Safa as well,” Ellis said.
“Yes, she was at the previous camp [against DR Congo] and did not play but I was asked whether there will be another opportunity, and I say now here is the opportunity.”
Recently, Safa and Ellis were at loggerheads over the Van Wyk debacle that ensued after the Olympic qualifier against DR Congo in Kinshasa, where she furiously left the camp and pulled out of the team for the second leg.
However, Ellis said the matter was dealt with internally with the player and will give it one last go in her quest to break the record.
Banyana final squad:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Janine van Wyk, Faith Nokuthula, Asanda Hadebe, Noko Matlou, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Lebohang Ramalepe
Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Sphumelele Shamase , Amogelang Matlou, Thubelihle Shamase
Fowards: Nicole Michael, Gabriela Salgado, Noxolo Cesane, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Samkelisiwe Selana, Jermaine Seoposenwe.
