Makhabane reaches a milestone with Sasol Banyana Banyana

Midfielder Mamello Makhabane reached her 50th cap for Sasol Banyana Banyana, on Saturday June 7 in the International friendly match against Botswana at the Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology.

The experienced midfielder, nicknamed ‘Jabu’ by her teammates because they thought her skills were similar to former Kaizer Chiefs player Jabu Pule, received her first call-up to the Senior Women’s National team in 2005.

Banyana Banyana held training sessions at Bedfordview Soccer field on Wednesday June 19, in their preparation for the African Nations Women’s Cup.

“It has been an honour to play for my country, and reaching 50 caps was not easy, there were moments when I thought my time is over in the National team,” said Makhabane, who plays for Sasol League triple National Champions Palace Super Falcons from Gauteng.

Her journey with Banyana Banyana started on May 27 in an international friendly match against Zimbabwe at the Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology.

“It feel like I have gone full circle, I don’t know whether it was a coincidence that I played my 50th cap, where it all started for me,” she continued. She works as an Aviation Officer at the OR Tambo International Airport.

The 26-year-old’s journey in the National Team has not been an easy one. In 2012, she missed out on travelling with the team to the London Olympics due to a groin injury.

“It was very painful when I had to withdraw from the team. I had worked hard for the team to qualify for the Olympics, but I had to accept it. I managed to pull through, and it’s a blessing to be back in the team. I have to continue working hard and help the team to qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup,” she said.

Sasol Banyana Banyana has qualified for the ninth edition of the African Women’s Championships, scheduled for October 11 to 25 in Namibia this year. The top three teams will automatically qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.