Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her squad to face DR Congo in two 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers this month with the return of former captain Janine van Wyk.

A few days ago, Ellis told the country that Van Wyk would get back on the Sasol-sponsored team. The two games will be a send-off for the beloved defender, who will end her glittering career after the games.

Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, the Banyana Banyana coach made the announcement. She said that “it is important to say thank you” to players like Van Wyk for all the hard work, sacrifice, and loyalty they have shown to their country.

“Janine has led the team with aplomb for so many years and she did it while wearing her heart on her sleeve. I used to say that if I had 10 Janines on the pitch…….. she was someone that never gave up and that still resonates in the national team, of never giving up,” Ellis said.

“If you look at what Janine has done, not just for the national team, but for women’s football in the country, I think it is only fair that she gets her flowers.”

Van Wyk has had a great career and has played for 183 times for her country. If Ellis plays her in the two games, she will be the most capped player on the continent, male or female.

Ellis told her team that she has been keeping a close eye on DR Congo and will tell them as much as she can.

“We also know what their strengths are and we have to make sure that we take control of the game. I think the first 20 minutes will be key, and we have to make sure we do not concede.”

There will be two legs of the tournament. The first leg will be away from home on October 25, 2023, and the second leg will be in South Africa on October 30, 2023.

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