Seopesenwe credits Ellis and teammates’ support for 100 cap milestone
South African women’s senior national team forward, Jermaine Seopesenwe joined a growing list of phenomenal African women footballers who have achieved the rare feat of 100 appearances in national team colours.
The 30-year-old’s achievement came on Tuesday evening in a Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier where the reigning African champions edged Tanzania 1-0 in the return leg to advance to the fourth and final round where they will be up against old-time foes, Nigeria in a two-legged encounter for a spot at the global showpiece in France this year.
Speaking on her longevity in the game, the Mexico-based forward who was part of Banyana Banyana’s historic TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winning squad in Morocco, as well as their impressive Round of 16 finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup said it was an honour for her to reach the milestone and that her coach, teammates and staff played a key role in her feat.
“Its always a privilege and honour to walk out for the national team. It’s been 14 years for me in the national team and everyone has played such a big role in my journey. I just thank God for the opportunity, coaches, teammates, staff and the Association who have played a role in my journey. We’ve grown so much, coming from WAFCON and going to the World Cup, you can see where this team is going and what we want to achieve but that takes a lot of work and determination”, said the outspoken forward.
Seopesenwe also touched on the good relationship she has established with coach Desiree Ellis who she says has done a great in managing the team over the years.
“Coach Desiree and I have come a long way. We’ve been in the national team for such a long time, and I think I can go to her anytime and talk to her about anything and she understands and fights for us. At the end of the day, each coach needs to understand every player and I think she does that quite well. We all have our different personalities, and she manages us quite well and I think that you can see it on the field” she concluded.
Seopesenwe becomes the 10th Banyana Banyana player to reach 100 caps.
She joins the growing list of Refiloe Jane, Noko Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Nothando Vilakazi, Janine van Wyk, Portia Modise, Amanda Dlamini, Mamello Makhabane and Leandra Smeda.
Van Wyk, who retired last December remains the highest national team capped African footballer of all time with 185 appearances for the reigning African champions.