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
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.
