The curtain is set to fall on a stellar international career for Banyana Banyana's Jermaine Seoposenwe, as the 31-year-old striker announced her retirement from the national team after the forthcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Seoposenwe, currently with Rayadas Monterrey Femenil, has been a cornerstone of South African women's football.
A two-time World Cup participant, she was instrumental in Banyana Banyana's historic 2022 WAFCON triumph, netting key goals against Nigeria and Tunisia.
Seoposenwe revealed her decision, though a surprise to many, has been a long-considered one.
‘I FELT IT WAS THE PERFECT TIME’
“Let me start by saying thank you, South Africa, for the opportunity to represent you. It was truly a privilege and an honor to walk onto that field and represent the beautiful people of this country with passion and pride,” she wrote on social media.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from the Senior National Women’s Football Team, better known as Banyana Banyana, after the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from the 5th to the 26th of July 2025.
“I know this might come as a surprise to many; however, I felt it was the perfect time. The idea of stepping away has been on my heart for a while, and as I continue to evolve as a human being and a footballer, it has become more evident to me that this is the best decision for my well-being.
“As a young girl growing up in South Africa playing football, my dream was always to play for Banyana Banyana. When that dream became a reality, I started working even harder to become one of the best to ever represent my country.
“I wanted to achieve things with Banyana Banyana that no one had ever done before. But that dream demanded great sacrifice and dedication. It demanded years of heartache, tears, and disappointment. It demanded an even greater character and an unbreakable mentality.
“Right then and there, I knew I had to fully give my heart and soul to football if I were ever to achieve anything meaningful. I decided to become a player who never gives up, a player who believes, and a player who pushes herself to the limits – because that was how I would succeed.
“That was how I was going to make the unimaginable a reality, which I eventually did through immense selflessness. I truly believe that I put my heart and soul into representing my country and I’m proud of what I have achieved.
“I want to thank everyone who has ever played a role in shaping me into the footballer I am today. But my time has come to an end and I’m passing the torch to the next generation.
“May you continue to break boundaries. May you continue to fight for change. May you continue to set an example for the little girls watching you. And most importantly, may you continue to bring immense joy to the people of this beautiful country.
“Lastly, I want to thank my family and the people of South Africa for always supporting me!”
