Mzansi congratulates football star Janine Van Wyk after she made her 185th appearance for Banyana Banyana.
Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk was praised by football fans all over the country after she made her historic 185th appearance for the national team. Her 185th game was at the second leg of the WAFCON qualifier against Burkina Faso at the Lucas Moripe stadium.
Surpassing Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, she now holds the record for the most capped African player (men and women). Speaking about it, she reflected on the journey and revealed that it wouldn’t have been a fun milestone without a win.
“It wasn’t about me, yes, we celebrate the 185 caps, but we had a very important match to play, and we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy one,” said Van Wyk. She has now returned from the Women’s League.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, praised her for always giving her all. Ellis also spoke about the second leg of the WAFCON qualifiers match against Burkina Faso. She noted the team’s mistakes and said they did not connect in the first half.
“I’m just happy that we qualified. The travel wasn’t so fantastic but resilience by the players and great fight by the players. It’s been a long season, but they stuck it out and showed true grit, and that’s what champions do.”
