Banyana Banyana skipper Janine Van Wyk is not worried about the lack of game time in the African Women’s Cup of Nations [AWCON] despite watching all two opening fixtures from the bench.
The 35-year-old defender was an unused substitute in both games against Nigeria and Burundi as Desiree Ellis’ side won comfortably to book a spot in the quarterfinals.
Banyana opened with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over defending champions – the Super Falcons – before beating Burundi 3-1 to book a place in the last 16.
Despite the limited game time, the former Glasgow City defender says she remains ready to ‘give her best’ should her services be needed on the pitch.
“I think every player wants to play, especially in a tournament like this, but I’ve played many of these tournaments. I also know the capabilities of players we currently have and the player rotation.
“I know my worth and the value for the team on and off the field. At the end of the day, it’s about the team winning, and if I get to put on the field, I’ll always give my best for the team. And if I’m not on the field, I’ll give my best in supporting the team,” said Van Wyk.
Ellis knows she has the experienced defender to count on. Van Wyk made her debut for Banyana in 2005 against the Falcons in the African Women’s Championship. She was also a member of the South Africa team representing the country at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom.
Her 100th cap came against Namibia in a 2–0 win in August 2014 before becoming the most capped South African footballer [both male and female] in March 2016 with 125 caps. On 18 September 2018, she earned her 150th cap for South Africa and made history as the first Captain to lead her team to a Women’s World Cup in 2019.
Having already qualified for the quarterfinals, she will be hoping that Ellis gives her a run. Banyana will be looking to wrap up their Group C in style when they take on Botswana at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is at 10pm.
