Banyana Banyana’s Nyandeni set for emotional farewell in final match against Malawi

Banyana Banyana will return to the pitch today for the final match of their two-game international friendly series against Malawi, a fixture that will be remembered not just for the football, but for bidding farewell to one of South Africa’s most celebrated players, Nompumelelo Nyandeni.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, where supporters are expected to come out in numbers to witness Nyandeni's 150th and final cap for the national team, a milestone that’s been six years in the making.

Nyandeni last featured for Banyana Banyana in 2019 and has waited patiently to reach this significant landmark. Her recall to the national team for this friendly series brings full circle a journey that began when she made her debut as a 15-year-old nearly two decades ago.

Now 37, the Soweto-born midfielder is the third-most capped player in Banyana history, behind only Janine van Wyk (185) and Noko Matlou (174). Her longevity, dedication, and consistency have earned her respect across the footballing world.

“I’m excited for my last dance tomorrow,” Nyandeni said following her final training session. “It will be the last time people see me wearing the Banyana Banyana kit. I’m ready for the game and excited as well.” said Nyandeni 

Her return to the field is both emotional and symbolic, offering her the chance to close this chapter of her career on her terms, in front of her home fans, and with her teammates by her side.

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis, who has coached Nyandeni at different stages of her career, emphasized that while the day will be filled with sentiment, the team remains focused on improving their performance as they build towards the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“We want to improve in all aspects, especially the final third. We created a few opportunities in the first game but that needs to be better. We could’ve scored more goals, and our ball retention must improve too.” said Ellis 

Banyana Banyana secured a comfortable 3-0 victory in the first match against Malawi on Saturday, and they’ll be looking to finish the series strong against a physical and determined opponent. But today belongs to Nompumelelo Nyandeni, a trailblazer, a leader, and a symbol of resilience in women’s football. After six long years of waiting, she finally gets the send-off she so richly deserves.

Her legacy is already cemented, but her final cap will be a celebration of everything she’s given to the beautiful game.

IOL Sport