‘I was a nervous wreck on the bench’ – Janine van Wyk relives Banyana Banyana’s historic WAFCON triumph

Former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk has opened up on the emotions, tension and unforgettable moments behind South Africa’s historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in 2022.

In an extract from her new book, 185 The Janine van Wyk Story as told to Firdose Moonda, the former defender detailed the dramatic final against hosts Morocco, where Banyana Banyana secured their first continental title with a 2-1 victory at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on July 23, 2022.

Van Wyk, who played a leadership role throughout the tournament, revealed how she tried to motivate her teammates before the final by reminding each player of their importance to the team’s historic mission.

“On the day of the game, I went to almost every single player and told them the things that made them important to this team. I said to them that we would all be part of making history if we won,” she recalled.

‘I felt part of it’ as Magaia delivered the breakthrough

The final was played in a hostile atmosphere, with Morocco supporters filling the stadium and creating an intimidating environment for the South Africans.

Van Wyk described the scenes inside the venue as extraordinary, with thousands of fans desperate to witness history.

“Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was incredible. Red flares were burning, drums were banging, people were whistling and cheering for the game to begin,” she wrote.

At halftime, the two teams were locked at 0-0, but Van Wyk saw an opportunity to provide guidance from the sidelines. She believed the combination between Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia could unlock the Moroccan defence.

The advice soon paid off.

In the 63rd minute, Seoposenwe created space before cutting the ball back for Magaia, who calmly finished into the bottom corner to give South Africa the lead.

Van Wyk sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with the goalscorer.

“I sprinted so fast down the line to meet her celebrating at the corner flag, I thought my feet would catch fire. It was an amazing feeling, as if I was playing the game. I felt part of it.”

Eight minutes later, Magaia struck again, this time chipping the goalkeeper after weaving through the defence to put Banyana Banyana in control.

“I sprinted faster than before and met her at the corner flag again, where I lifted her up to the sky before anyone else could,” Van Wyk recalled.

Seven minutes of agony before football heaven

Despite leading 2-0, South Africa were forced to endure a tense finish as Morocco launched a late comeback attempt.

Rosella Ayane reduced the deficit with 10 minutes remaining, setting up a nervous final period for Banyana Banyana as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

Van Wyk admitted she struggled to contain her emotions from the bench as the clock continued to move slowly.

“I was a nervous wreck on the bench. I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t watch but I also couldn’t look away.”

The tension increased when the fourth official indicated seven minutes of additional time.

“Where had seven minutes come from?” she wrote. “I pulled my jersey over my head to try and block out some of the crowd noise.”

But South Africa’s defence held firm, clearing every danger as Morocco searched desperately for another goal.

When the final whistle arrived, Van Wyk described the moment as the greatest feeling of her football career.

“I knew what footballing heaven felt like.”

She ran onto the pitch in tears, embracing her teammates as the reality of becoming African champions sank in.

“I was happy, excited, broken and hurt all in one. It was the chaos and catharsis of being a champion, and the one thing I was in no doubt about was that I was an African champion.”

A victory that demanded change

Van Wyk also revealed that even in celebration, Banyana Banyana players were already thinking about the future of women’s football in South Africa.

After lifting the trophy, several players called for greater investment and the creation of a professional domestic league, using Morocco’s progress as inspiration.

“We deserved more than congratulations. We deserved to be taken seriously and given the opportunities that would help us take the next steps,” she said.

Reflecting on the tournament, Van Wyk praised Morocco’s organisation and commitment to women’s football, describing the 2022 WAFCON as the most memorable edition she experienced.

She credited the hosts for creating an environment where players felt valued and treated like professionals.

Morocco’s investment and support, she believes, showed what was possible when women’s football received proper backing.

For Van Wyk, however, the defining memory remains the moment South Africa finally reached the summit of African football.

“We were champions.”