South Africa’s Janine van Wyk quits after breaking record as Africa’s most-capped footballer ever

Banyana Banyana star Janine van Wyk has written her name in Africa’s history books after she became the most-capped player ever on the continent. 

Van Wyk surpassed Ahmed Hassan to become the African footballer to have played the most games after making her 185th appearance for South Africa on Monday. 

The veteran featured as Banyana Banayana sealed qualification for the 2024 WAFCON following a 2-0 win against Burkina Faso in the qualifier. 

Janine, 36, who made her debut for South Africa in 2005, came off the bench to play the final eight minutes as South Africa booked a spot in the tournament next year in Western Pretoria. 

Following her cameo, the defender decided to announce her retirement when the ovation was loudest, marking an end to her illustrious career per an AFP report. 

With the feat, Van Wyk hit the century mark nine years after her debut, had initially equalled Hassan’s record in the first leg last week before breaking it in the second leg at home.

She was honoured by the South Africa Football Association, SAFA, who presented her with a plague to celebrate her achievement. 

Amidst the celebrations, the superstar was full of gratitude for every support that she had enjoyed during her time with the Banyana Banyana. 

“I am deeply grateful to all those who helped me during my long career. I could not have achieved this amazing feat without the help of many others," she said per AFP.

"It is important for senior players like me to accept that younger players are seeking selection. We must develop them, make them feel at home, then we must step aside."

Van Wyk helped South Africa lift their first-ever WAFCON title when they defeated Morocco in the 2022 final. 

South Africa will look to defend the title this time without Van Wyk and her incredible experience.

Her career features significant moments such as participating in the 2019 FIFA World Cup and two Olympic games in 2012 and 2016.