Banyana Banyana stalwart Janine van Wyk has set a new African record for the most capped player, male or female.
This comes after the JVW FC boss broke Ahmed Hassan’s record of the most caps [184] on the continent with 185 appearances.
The former Egyptian international, Hassan, held the record of the most capped player in Africa for a whole 11 years.
JANINE VAN WYK’S DREAM RECORD ALMOST ENDED SOUR
The veteran defender’s dream record almost ended sour after van Wyk left the Banyana camp when she was not afforded a chance to earn her 184th cap during their 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers against DR Congo in October.
“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,” wrote a disappointed Van Wyk on X.
However, SAFA had to intervene in the matter quickly. An agreement was reached to afford the highly experienced defender to achieve her goal of breaking the record.
As a result, Desiree Ellis had to name van Wyk in her squad to face Burkina Faso for WAFCON qualifiers.
Coach Ellis came forward to explain why they had to bring van Wyk back to the national team.
“We will do our utmost best to get her those two caps,” said Ellis when she named her squad to face Burkina Faso.
“It’s not just a recruit for her. But I think it’s a recruit for women’s football in the country. It’s a record for SAFA and a record for women’s football on the continent.
“And here she was in the previous camp. I was asked the question by the media if ‘is there another opportunity?’ I said Burkina Faso and here is the opportunity.”
Van Wyk started with the game when Banyana played out to a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso last week. This was the first leg of the WAFCON qualifiers away from home.
To add to that, van Wyk donned the team’s captain armband during the game. Banyana lock horns with Burkina Faso in the return leg this afternoon at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
JANINE VAN WYK’S LAST DANCE
This will be the 36-year-old footballer’s last game, as she brings the curtain down. She debuted for the senior women’s national team 18 years ago.
Van Wyk’s achieved a lot with the Banyana team. Some achievements include becoming the first captain to guide the side to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
She captained the national team to their first WAFCON victory in 2022. This was when Banyana defeated the hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final despite Van Wyk not starting the match.
RELATED STORY: Janine van Wyk reacts to equaling Ahmed Hassan’s record
