Banyana Banyana former captain Janine van Wyk hopes the mess created in the DR Congo is finalised soon, so that she can get her two caps and break the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Africa’s all-time record for the most capped player.
Van Wyk told Sunday World on Wednesday that even though she is still distraught about the events of last week, she is keen to get her two caps.
“I am not sure what is happening at the moment with this whole issue. I think there is something happening in the background between Safa [SA Football Association] and the coach [Desiree Ellis] with what happened, so I cannot comment on that,” she said.
“I was very disappointed that I did not play. The coach knows her reasons why I did not play or why she left things for so late.
“Some are saying that Congo were pushing very strong, but with my experience, I know I could handle Congo’s pressure – I have been in the deep end for many years now.
“I am still hungry to get that record – this is not only important for me, but for all women footballers in the country. The record will inspire a lot of girls who are beginning to love and play this game.
“To break the record would be special for me, the country and the team because women’s football in SA comes so far.
“I will honour the call-up if it comes again, so that I can make my dream come true.”
Safa, Ellis at loggerheads
Safa and Ellis have been at loggerheads over the debacle that ensued in the Olympic Games qualifier against DR Congo in Kinsasha on Wednesday last week.
Van Wyk announced her retirement earlier in 2023, but she was called up to the Banyana team in order to smash and surpass the CAF record for national caps, both males and females.
The record holder is Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassa with 184 caps. Van Wyk is currently on 183 caps.
After Safa insisted on Van Wyk to be given the two caps, bizarrely, she was not played, even after she warmed up on the touchline.
Distraught and very upset, she left the camp and was not part of the second leg that was played on Monday.
Ellis could face the music for the bungling.
“I can’t describe the pain I’m feeling deep inside of me. One last moment I’m meant to embrace has turned to be a moment of distraught,” she tweeted last week.
Ellis told Sunday World that she wanted to play Van Wyk, but time was already up and the game was finished.
After winning 2-0 in the return match in Soweto on Monday, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana will face Tanzania in the third round of the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers.
