Taking a closer look at Banyana Banyana’s prestigious 100 international caps club

Since coach Desiree Ellis was officially appointed as the permanent head coach of Banyana Banyana in 2018, there has been a lot to celebrate about the ‘women’s senior national team.

- By Siyasanga Monoalibe

From winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) for the first time to having a memorable Fifa World Cup in Australia, where they made history by making a maiden appearance in the knockout stages in 2023.

Now, the team has seen several players honoured by the SA Football Association for reaching the 150 caps milestone for the national team.

The latest players to celebrate those feats were Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo “Mbuzi” Nyandeni, who donned the Banyana jersey for the last time and bowed out in style during the two friendly matches against Malawi.

“I think it’s fantastic. We need to celebrate players who have given long service to the country. We need to celebrate that,” Ellis said, reflecting on Matlou and Nyandeni’s achievements.

Sunday World takes a closer look at some of the players who have contributed to the rise of Banyana and amassed more than 100 international caps.

Janine van Wyk (185 caps):