Janine Van Wyk Breaks African Appearance Record As Banyana Banyana Qualify for WAFCON

• Janine van Wyk became the most capped African with her appearance against Burkina Faso
• Van Wyk announced her retirement in October prior to the Olympic qualifiers with DR Congo
• Banyana Banyana defeated Burkina Faso 3-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Women's AFCON

Indulgences were made to ensure a fitting end to an impactful career. South African women's football icon, Janine van Wyk, has bowed out of football with a send-off somewhere close to what her career deserved.

The celebratory occasion marked Banyana Banyana's qualification for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, where they will look to defend the title they won in the same country in 2022.

Van Wyk's 185th cap for her country is now the highest by any African player, either male or female.

The matriarch of the women's game in South Africa equalled the record of 184 caps, held by Egypt's Ahmed Hassan, in the first leg of the qualifier.

Heavyweight broadcaster Robert Marawa, the voice of sports media in South Africa, celebrates 49th birthday

Boxing

Desiree Ellis graced Van Wyk with the career-defining opportunity, even if the performance itself was not something that would trouble the statisticians.

She was substituted after just seven minutes, as per SAFA.net, embracing her teammates as left the field for the last time. Speaking after the game, Ellis gave her sentiments on Van Wyk, as reported by Sunday World.

"She has given her all, always wore her heart on her sleeves and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person."

Van Wyk departed with the scores level at 0-0 and her teammates still needing to get the job done.

Kaylin Swart made two vital saves as a Linda Motlhalo penalty, then a Nicole Michael stab in the 86th minute, booked their passage to Morocco.

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ Click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

Inter Milan players' wives and girlfriends in 2024 with photos

Football

Andile Dlamini named goalkeeper of the tournament

Sports Brief also reported on Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies' goalkeeper Andile Dlamini receiving an award.

The shot-stopper was crowned CAF Women's Champions League keeper of the tournament in November.

Despite the award, coach Desiree Ellis persisted with the selection of JVW FC's Kaylin Swart over Dlamini.