8 June 2019 – Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk will go down in history as the first player to captain the South African Senior Women’s National Team in their first ever FIFA World Cup match.

The defender was named in the starting 11 to take on Spain this afternoon at Stade Océane in Le Havre in France.

Van Wyk also led the team at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, as well as at the 2018 FIFA Women’s AFCON when they qualified for France.

Also making history are the 10 other players selected by Desiree Ellis to play in South Africa’s first ever starting 11 in a FIFA World Cup.

The Banyana Banyana mentor made just one change to the squad that started again Norway in the last international friendly match played earlier this month (2 June 2019) in Amiens, France.

Van Wyk comes in for Bambanani Mbane and will play alongside Noko Matlou in central defence.

The duo of Lebohang Ramalepe and Nothando Vilakazi at right back and left back, respectively, also keep their places, along with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

In midfield vice captain Refiloe Jane will partner with Kholosa Biyana in the middle of the park, while Amanda Mthandi and Linda Motlhalo are on the wings.

Thembi Kgatlana and Ode Fulutudilu will play upfront.

 

Banyana Banyana vs Spain:

Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Janine van Wyk (c), Noko Matlou, Amanda Mthandi, Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane (C), Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Ode Fulutudilu

Subs:

Mapaseka Mpuru (GK), Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Sibulele Holweni, Mamello Makhabane, Leandra Smeda, Kaylin Swart (GK),

Head Coach: Desiree Ellis