Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Nompumelelo Nyandeni
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 April 2025 – The African champions, Banyana Banyana, clawed their way back from a goal down to beat a determined Malawi 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Tuesday. Malawian player, Vanessa Chikupira, stunned the small but passionate home crowd when she beat Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart to open the scoring in the 58th minute.
To their credit, the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team never dropped their heads and were rewarded when second half substitute Hildah Magaia scored the equaliser in the 75th minute. Then Player of the Match, Amogelang Motau, delivered a moment of magic when she scored a long-range scorcher of a free kick in the 85th minute to seal the match for the South Africans.
Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said she thinks it was fantastic. Ellis said they needed to celebrate players, who have given long service to the country.
“We need to celebrate that and it was a significant day,” she said.
The hard-fought result at a wet and windy Lucas Moripe summed up the occasion on an afternoon that saw Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who earned her 150th and final cap for South Africa, becoming the third most capped Banyana Banyana player in history, behind Noko Matlou and Janine van Wyk. Nyandeni’s journey with the national team began at the age of 15, and her send-off was a celebration of nearly two decades of excellence.
“I was excited to represent my country for the last time. I’m also happy that my teammates fought for me by winning the game and having a proper send-off,” said Nyandeni after the match.
The emotional farewell to Nyandeni marked the end of an era, but also highlighted the depth and promise of the team’s next generation.
Swart also marked a personal milestone by earning her 50th cap for Banyana Banyana, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as fans and players honoured the contributions of two key figures in South African women’s football.
Meanwhile, the SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated both Nyandeni and Matlou, who is also heading to the sunset after playing her last match for the national team on Saturday, for their contribution to women’s football in South Africa.
“Their place in history is confirmed and no one can ever take that away from them. Their contribution to the game, both here at home and on the continent, is enormous and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“With back-to-back wins against a strong Malawi side, Banyana Banyana continue to build momentum ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
The Guardian 