Seoposenwe bows out with pride as Banyana chase Wafcon bronze
Image: Backpagepix
Jermaine Seoposenwe owes football everything. So, as she prepares for her last Banyana Banyana appearance, she bows out with gratitude and pride.
Banyana will face Ghana in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday night (kick-off 6pm). The clash is set to mark Seoposenwe's final outing with Banyana after she announced, prior to the tournament, that she would retire from international football after its conclusion.
The 31-year-old will leave behind a decorated international career, having earned more than 100 caps, won the Wafcon title and played in two World Cups.
Retiring From International Football pic.twitter.com/Xgcv9cDzzd — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) June 16, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Her journey with the national team endeared her to fans across the continent and the world, thanks to her silky playing style and eye for goal.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against the Black Queens, the Cape Town-born player reflected on the impact football has had on her life.
'Football has been everything for me. Football has given me everything that I have. The way I play is how I repay what football has given me,' she said.
'The passion and love for the game is why we do it. Over the years, Banyana has given me a platform to showcase my abilities and has taken me to places I never thought I'd go.
'I owe football everything. It's been a great learning curve, not just on the football field but outside of it as well.'
What an assist from Rama🥵😤 https://t.co/Hp0MPvz5Un — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) July 7, 2025
Seoposenwe's decision to call time on her international career ahead of a major tournament sparked mixed reactions in the football fraternity.
Some felt it was understandable given the many off-field challenges Banyana have faced, while others believed it could destabilise the team's performance. However, she is confident she made the right decision for her own well-being – and does not anticipate a World Cup comeback.
'It's been a sense of relief – I don't know if that's the right word – and a sense of calmness,' said Seoposenwe of her decision.
'The fact that it's coming to an end is kind of weird, but it was for my well-being and I stand by that decision. It's been an interesting tournament, watching the younger players step up and take responsibility. I am really proud of them.
'I hope that going forward they'll take the torch and run with it. Playing for Banyana Banyana is not the easiest thing – there's a lot of pressure.
'Hopefully, I've shown them that you can do it – stay true to yourself and stay disciplined in whatever you do.'
Seoposenwe will bow out as a true Banyana legend who wore her heart on her sleeve every time she donned the national jersey. However, she prefers to be remembered not for who she was off the pitch, but for the player she was on it.
She was particularly proud to be a role model to the next generation, including Ronnel Donnely, who idolises her.
'First and foremost, I think it allowed me to just be calm about everything because I made that decision before the tournament,' said Seoposenwe.
'Coming into the tournament, I have been settled and calm. Ronnel, especially, has come up to me and tried to extract a lot of information.
'I am not a No 9, but in this tournament I've been playing as a No 9, which is her position, so she's come up to chat and learn. I appreciate that she sees me as a role model. A lot of players have joked with me about my legacy, but it's very interesting to be in that position.'
And so, with Banyana having relinquished their title following the 2-1 semi-final loss to Nigeria, a bronze medal against Ghana would offer fitting consolation for Seoposenwe – and a special farewell to the team that shaped her footballing life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Richards Bay FC lift KZN Premier's Cup title in homecoming triumph
Wandile Ngema of Richards Bay is challenged by Sibusiso Sibeko of Durban City during the KZN Premiers Cup final at Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay on SUnday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Richards Bay FC marked the official reopening of the refurbished Umhlathuze Sports Complex in style, clinching the 2025 KZN Premier's Cup title with a narrow 1-0 win over Durban City in Sunday's final. It was a historic first for the Natal Rich Boyz, who have never lifted the pre-season trophy before and fittingly did so on home soil, signalling their intent ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign. The two-day tournament not only served as a curtain-raiser to the upcoming season but also celebrated the revamped facilities in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which the Bay will now call home throughout 2025/26. Their path to glory included overcoming Midlands in the semi-final, before seeing off a determined Durban City side who had earlier stunned AmaZulu in dramatic fashion. Usuthu were knocked out in agonising fashion, conceding a late goal to lose 3-2 in an end-to-end semi-final that could have gone either way. Despite the result, assistant coach Siboniso Vilakazi was content with the side's progress. 'From our side, we're very excited by what we've seen, especially from the youngsters. We wanted to play more than one game so that every player gets an opportunity to play,' Vilakazi said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He added that the tournament was vital preparation ahead of their MTN8 quarter-final: 'We're working towards our MTN8 match next week as well as the start of the new season. "We have a way forward with a lot of players having left the club, some returning from loan, and others arriving. So for us, this was a successful experience and we're pleased with what we've done here.' Arrows, meanwhile, were bundled out early after a 3-2 quarter-final defeat to AmaZulu in a fiercely contested derby. Despite the result, assistant coach Musa Bilankulu praised the application of his players, particularly the new recruits adapting to their tactical approach. 'In terms of our preparations for the game, we expected it to be tough in all areas — on and off the ball. The players stuck to the tactical agreements we had prior to the game and I was even more impressed with the new signings,' said Bilankulu. While the day belonged to Richards Bay, the tournament offered valuable insight into the readiness of KZN's top sides before the competitive action resumes in August. For coach Ronnie Gabriel and his team, lifting silverware on home turf could just be the spark needed for a season to remember.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Mabasa aims for goal improvement as Orlando Pirates prepare for new season
Tshegofatso Mabasa is ready to embrace the demands of the new season, relying on the strong sense of brotherhood within the Orlando Pirates squad to achieve success. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The passage of time has taught Tshegofatso Mabasa to embrace pressure and brotherhood, so that's why he's focused on helping Orlando Pirates do well next season. Mabasa scored fifteen goals in 48 games last season, and that was an average return after he netted nineteen goals in 33 matches the season before. So, as the new season beckons, Mabasa will be eager to improve his numbers upfront by contributing to as many goals as he possibly can for the team. However, the 28-year-old admits that he's not fazed by the responsibility as it's part and parcel of the job. 'The older I get, the less worried I am about pressure,' the striker said during the premiere of Pirates' docu-series Giants, last week. 'You can't perform well without pressure.' Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️ 📆 Sunday, 27 July 📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways#giantsondstv — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Being able to handle pressure hasn't come naturally for Mabasa. He has to feed off the support of his teammates and technical team as well. As such, when he went through a rough patch last season, resulting in him losing his place in the starting berth, it was his replacement, Evidence Makgopa, who offered him more support. So, that's why Mabasa doesn't look at the rest of the strikers at Pirates as his direct competitors, but rather as brothers. 'One thing about us is that there's healthy competition. You can actually see when we are doing finishing drills after training, the amount of support and love we share (is there),' he said. 'Take Evidence, for example, he's one person that knows almost everything that I've to deal with last season. Yet that time he was playing ahead of me. 'He supported me, and was there to try and lift me up. He'll be the first one to areye ngwana (let's go, kid). So, that's the sort of thing. I'd do the same thing for him as well. 'So that shows the relationship we have in the team. I think when 'Radio' (Boitumelo Radiopane) scored his first goal, a penalty, everyone ran to him, including myself.' The camaraderie within the Pirates teams runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabasa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Oswin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of eleven new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan-born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three-year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change – it's probably about defending set-pieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.' The camaraderie within the Pirates team runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabsa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Osowin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of 11 new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change - it's probably about defending setpieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.'
eNCA
8 hours ago
- eNCA
Nigeria celebrates women's 'spectacular' win in Africa Cup
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu led the football-mad nation in celebrating the women's squad after a stunning comeback to win a record-extending Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The 3-2 victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat confirmed the west Africans as the queens of women's football in Africa as they pulled off a 10th title in 13 editions. Tinubu said the team's "spectacular performance... exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit". The Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback from being two goals down to beat Morocco on Saturday night. "You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation," Tinubu told the team in a post-match video call. "You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you." Dubbed Mission X, the WAFCON title was a tonic for many Nigerians enduring the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as the government carries out reforms. Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to the northern city of Kano to escape the violence of Borno state, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, hailed the Falcons for helping Nigerians to "momentarily forget our common problems". "Everywhere people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win," Awwal told AFP. "Last night all the problems tormenting us - the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence - disappeared. "It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons," he said. Abuja housewife Comfort Zamani, agreed: "Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships even if for only a few hours," she told AFP. "They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough." In the densely-populated neigbourhoods of Dako, Kabusa and Galadimawa of the Nigerian capital Abuja, loud cheers tore through the late night to celebrate Nigeria's two comeback goals. But the loudest cheers were heard when substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home a free kick with only two minutes left on the clock for the championship-winning goal, and then at full time. Sunday newspaper carried front page headlines such as "Unstoppable Falcons win 10th WAFCON from two goals down" and "Super Falcons rule Africa again". Chairman of the country's supporters club Vincent Okumagba further congratulated the players "for accomplishing 'Mission X'" and for for "not giving up when they were down".
