Long serving players Noko Matlou and Mpumi Nyandeni are set to reach 150 caps for Banyana, while Refiloe Jane and Thembi Kgatlana will get to 100 and 50 apperances respectively.
Matlou, who has been moved from playing as a striker to now being a defender, is just a cap away from reaching 150 appearances after making her debut 11 years ago. Matlou is the second highest capped Banyana player after captain Janine van Wyk, who has appeared 161 times for the senior team. She was the first South African player to win the African Women’s Player of the Year in 2008.
Nyandeni made her debut in 2002 and is now just three matches from reaching 150 appearances. Like Matlou, Nyandeni looks set to get a chance to play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France later this year, which would be a big plus for them before they eventually call time on their careers.
Vice-captain Jane is on 99 caps and is almost certain to make it 100 when Banyana take on Finland in their opening Cyprus Cup match next Wednesday. The Australian-based footballer has scored 12 goals for the national team.
Reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Kgatlana is just three shy of making it 50 caps.
Banyana will leave for Cyprus on Saturday. They are in Group B with Finland, Czech Republic and Korea DPR.