Following Janine van Wyk's record-breaking appearance for Banyana Banyana, a host of fans reacted negatively to her final goodbye from international football.
Check it out!
What's the story?
Janine van Wyk led out Banyana Banyana as she made her historic 185th appearance during yesterday's second leg of the WAFCON qualifier against Burkina Faso at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Van Wyk's swansong ended after seven minutes when she was replaced by Mamelodi Sundowns' Lebohang Ramalepe — with a chunk of supporters showing their displeasure in the veteran's exit from the international stage.
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Let's take a closer look at what they had to say...
Janine van Wyk reactions
Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk finally made her historic and record-breaking 185th appearance for the national team in Monday's second leg qualifier win over Burkina Faso in Pretoria.
Banyana sealed their passage to the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Senior Ladies Stallions, with the game headlined by van Wyk's final appearance.
The 36-year-old was substituted after only seven minutes for Lebohang Ramalepe, receiving a standing ovation from fans, players and coaches at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Van Wyk now holds the record for the most capped African player (for both men and women) surpassing Egypt's Ahmed Hassan.
Desiree Ellis' decision to sub van Wyk off so early in the encounter was met with plenty of scrutiny on Twitter/X.
Take a look at what the fans had to say:
Pure nonsense and utter unprofessional behavior. Sies mxm.
— Zakhele Nkonyane (@MPHEMPHETHE_885) December 4, 2023
Why not sub her in when the game is about to end?????
— MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup Champions?????? (@Nethomboniphin2) December 4, 2023
This utter unprofessional from the coach and the technical team, at least she could have played for 45 minutes at least.
— The-General ??? (@SihleGeneral10) December 4, 2023
7 mins into a qualifier. Congratulations to Janine but what was going on here. Couldn’t they have played her in the last 7 mins ?????? https://t.co/lc59hdBAxP
— Mpho Mutloane (@MphoMoreki) December 4, 2023
Desiree Ellis, she was out to embarrass Janine on this quest to being highest capped African. She made sure it will be always remembered with some salt, like she is being fielded out of pity. https://t.co/CDIRC5TwIU
— Vumile Vundla (@Vumile_Bulelani) December 4, 2023
Last time the coach didn't bring Janine on because "she didn't see the time" and now it's this. You don't pull out these two moves if you have for respect for the player. https://t.co/FOw18PfVlx
— Mokgaga (@Metsengwane) December 4, 2023
we understand it's a serious game but couldn't you wait for half-time https://t.co/mlK6jJ8vnE
— Pikolomzi (@peekay_mab) December 4, 2023
???????? yoh Desiree is ruthless https://t.co/P8BvHPGiaY
— Thapedi ???????? (@thapedi_msfc) December 4, 2023
Here's a touching tribute dedicated to van Wyk's incredible international career with Banyana Banyana:
Janine van Wyk now stands tall above all African footballers (Male & Female) as the most capped international player ever!#LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/XXtRkyYugJ
— Official SasolLeague (@SasolLeague) December 5, 2023
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Scroll through the gallery to see Banyana players and SAFA paying tribute to van Wyk:
Have your say on Janine van Wyk's record-breaking appearance for Banyana...
Did she deserve more minutes from Desiree Ellis?
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