Banyana Banyana legend and former skipper Janine van Wyk, has announced she’ll call time on her illustrious career as a defender of the senior national women’s side.
The 36-year-old will retire after playing in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers this month against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a send-off matches to cap her historic playing career.
Should Van Wyk feature in the two matches, she will sit on 185 international caps, making her the most capped footballer on the African continent, male or female.
The stalwart penned an emotional farewell to the beautiful game on her Instagram account, saying that she was bidding goodbye and has enjoyed the honour and privilege of serving her nation.
“This has been by far one of the hardest decisions of my life. This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football as a player while I watch the next generation shine. It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this beautiful game, in particular playing for my country, which has and always will be the greatest gift football has ever offered me.
I am truly thankful to each one of you for helping me make all my dreams come true. To the fans you have made this journey remarkable, life changing and so fun,”
In a joint statement, the South African Football Association (SAFA), Coach Desiree Ellis, CEO Lydia Monyepao and President Danny Jordaan paid tribute to the legend whose career spanned over 20 years.
Ellis said Van Wyk “deserves her flowers” and has been an icon, an inspiration and a massive ambassador for South African football in general.
“There are so many superlatives that I can use to describe Janine. I think she’s an absolute legend of the game, not just in South Africa, but also on the African continent as well as globally,” the Banyana Banyana coach said.
“I pray that she’s just as successful as her career was. Many blessings to her. I think the legacy she’s left behind has been the hard work she’s put in, always making sure that she’s in absolute good shape to come and represent the national team, and always giving her best.
“She has also created opportunities for others with the club JVW. I’m wishing her once again all the best and blessings in her new adventure.”
Jordaan said Van Wyk has left an indelible mark both here at home and on the global stage.
“Janine has been a selfless servant of the game, and her legendary playing career has influenced so many young girls who have taken up this sport as a career.
“Today, Banyana Banyana are continental champions and also achieved a historic second round milestone in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. All these epic stories and many more could not have been achieved without the massive contribution of this giant,” said the SAFA President.
Meanwhile Monyepao said she understands the emotional roller coaster that Van Wyk must be going through at this stage in her career.
“As a former Banyana Banyana player, I can relate to what Janine has gone through and arriving at her decision.
“This is a fitting tribute to one of the country’s football giants on and off the football pitch. Janine has run her race, and what a journey and story she has given us. Her story is what legends are made of,” highlighted the SAFA CEO.
Van Wyk made her national team debut in 2005 against Nigeria in the African Women’s Championship and led South Africa to their first Women’s World Cup participation in 2019.
She has been to the 2012 London Olympic Games with Banyana, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, she was also part of the WAFCON winning squad in Morocco in 2022 but missed out on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The upcoming two-legged Olympic Games qualifiers against the DRC are scheduled for 25 and 31 October 2023.
