Banyana Banyana’s Mamello Makhabane earned her 100th cap for the national team on Monday, 5 August, 2019, in the COSAFA Women’s Championship match against Madagascar.
It was an incredible day for both Makhabane and the national side after claiming their third victory in the final Group A match to progress to the semi-final round as they continue their title defence.
Speaking on her achievement after the match, the midfielder was grateful for the opportunity given to her that resulted in her receiving her 100th appearance and going on to join the likes of Janine van Wyk in this special group of players.
“Honestly, I’m excited. I’m still in disbelief, okay, I knew this day would come but I didn’t know when,” she told SAFA media.
“I’m really excited and I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m thankful that coach (Desiree Ellis) gave me a chance!” Banyana Banyana Midfielder, Mamello Makhabane
“Coach Des always believed in me and she is the one that always, you know, even when I was injured she would talk to me and ask me, “Mamello, how are you feeling? Don’t give up.” So, I had support from my family, I had support from my teammates, but most of all I give praise to God because He’s the one who made this possible for me,” she added.
Makhabane will be looking to earn another cap when the South African side face Zimbabwe in the semi-final on Wednesday, 8 August, 2019.
“Well, there, we are really going to be tested, I was watching their game and Zimbabwe is not an easy team to beat. Now, we must really show that we are coming from the World Cup and go there and do our best,” she ended.
Next Banyana COSAFA Cup Fixture – Semi-final:
15h30 – 8 August, 2019: South Africa v Zimbabwe
Makhabane Joins South Africa’s Elite 100-Caps Club:
Janine van Wyk (170 caps)
Noko Matlou (160)
Nompumelelo Nyandeni (149)
Nothando Vilakazi (132)
Portia Modise – retired (124)
Refiloe Jane (110)
Amanda Dlamini – retired (105)
Mamello Makhabane – (100)
Photo 1 Caption: South Africa Women’s team picture during the 2019 COSAFA Women Championship match between South Africa and Madagascar on Monday, 5 August, 2019 at Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth, where Banyana Banyana won the match 3-0. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
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