Banyana Banyana legend: Kgatlana's WAFCON absence "Not a major blow"

Former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk isn't losing sleep over Thembi Kgatlana's withdrawal from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) squad.

While Kgatlana is undeniably one of the national team's stars, Van Wyk believes Banyana has proven they can thrive without her.

Banyana is heading to Morocco in July to defend their WAFCON title, and they'll do it without the 29-year-old speedy forward, who pulled out of coach Desiree Ellis' preliminary squad for personal reasons.

But Van Wyk, speaking at a Lays event in Thembisa over the weekend, quickly pointed to history. "Of course, Thembi Kgatlana is one of the key players of the national team, but people forget that the team went on to win the WAFCON in 2022 without her," she stated.

"She got injured in the first match with an Achilles injury, and we continued the rest of the tournament without her, and we managed to win the tournament."

Van Wyk isn't downplaying Kgatlana's talent, but she emphasises the strength of the collective. "So, I don't think it is one player we should focus on. It will be a major loss in the striking department, but if you look at the previous results against Malawi, we had various goal scorers and did not really struggle."

She suggested that coach Ellis will have to get creative. "The coach will be forced to convert other players into filling in that position and adapt to the new system." Van Wyk specifically highlighted Jermaine Seoposenwe, noting, "Jermaine Seoposenwe, a player with a keen eye for goal, will likely assume that role."

Ultimately, for Van Wyk, it comes down to teamwork. "Of course, Kgatlana's strength does make a difference in the team, but it is all about teamwork, and if the other senior players step up, then I don't think it will be that much of a miss."