In a development that marks the end of an era for South African women’s football, Banyana Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe has announced her shock retirement from international football.
The 31-year-old is currently plying her trade in Mexico for C.F. Monterrey Femenil after joining the club in June 2023. On the international stage, the talented striker has been an integral part of Banyana with her ability to score and create goals.
Seoposenwe’s decision to retire comes as a surprise, especially with Banyana Banyana gearing up for the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco next month. She was a key member of the squad that secured South Africa’s historic first-ever WAFCON trophy in 2022, defeating hosts Morocco in the final.
The talented forward confirmed she will hang up her boots after the upcoming continental tournament, citing her well-being as the primary reason for this unexpected decision.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from the Senior National Women’s Football Team, better known as Banyana Banyana, after the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from the 5th to the 26th of July 2025,” Seoposenwe said on social media.
SEOPESONWE SAYS THE DECISION TO RETIRE IS BEST FOR HER WELL-BEING
“I know this might come as a surprise to many; however, I felt it was the perfect time. The idea of stepping away has been on my heart for a while, and as I continue to evolve as a human being and a footballer, it has become more evident to me that this is the best decision for my well-being.”
Reflecting on her path from a childhood dream to becoming a national icon, Seoposenwe shared the intense dedication and resilience required to reach the pinnacle of South African women’s football.
“As a young girl growing up in South Africa playing football, my dream was always to play for Banyana Banyana,” she added. “When that dream became a reality, I started working even harder to become one of the best to ever represent my country. I wanted to achieve things with Banyana Banyana that no one had ever done before.
“But that dream demanded great sacrifice and dedication. It demanded years of heartache, tears, and disappointment. It demanded an even greater character and an unbreakable mentality.
“Right then and there, I knew I had to fully give my heart and soul to football if I were ever to achieve anything meaningful. I decided to become a player who never gives up, a player who believes, and a player who pushes herself to the limits – because that was how I would succeed.
THE STRIKER IS PROUD OF WHAT SHE ACHIEVED WITH BANYANA
Seoposenwe expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to her journey, acknowledging that her “time has come to an end.”
She emphasised passing the torch to the next generation, urging them to continue breaking boundaries, fighting for change, setting an example, and, most importantly, bringing immense joy to the people of South Africa.
“I truly believe that I put my heart and soul into representing my country, and I’m proud of what I have achieved. I want to thank everyone who has ever played a role in shaping me into the footballer I am today. But my time has come to an end…’
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