Janine van Wyk a little more in the history of African soccer. Although she announced her international retirement last October, the South African was selected to take part in the two matches against Burkina Faso, qualifying for the Women's AFCON 2024. Two more caps bring her total to 185. This makes the 36-year-old defender the most capped African player in history, men's and women's combined.
With the national team since 2005, Van Wyk thus surpasses former Egyptian international Ahmed Hassan, who held the record with 184 caps. Coming back from retirement and coming on as a late substitute in both matches, the South African made her 184th and 185th appearances for Banyana Banyana. To crown it all, the team qualified for the Women's AFCON, where they will defend their title, but without their veteran.
Thank you Janine Van Wyk ❤️🫡👏 pic.twitter.com/veNz7QIqQp
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) December 4, 2023