Andisiwe Mgcoyi is at peace with never playing for Banyana Banyana again

The CAF Champions League winner has over 40 international caps but has fallen out of favour with coach Desiree Ellis, who last called her up in 2017.

The 34-year-old says it’s the nature of the game in South Africa that with age doors start to close.

"It depends on the coach. Every player and every coach has their own preference. So, if the coach prefers a certain player you won't make the team. In South Africa when you reach 30, they think you are old”, she told SABC Sport

“They think a player only gets matured at the age of 16 not like overseas when they started grooming players at the age of 6," Mgcoyi said.

Except for Noko Matlou, who is 37 years old, the average age of Banyana's FIFA Women's World Cup squad in Australia and New Zealand is 27. And, while Mgcoyi believes in developing young talent, she is certain experience matters, especially at a World Cup.

"We don't believe in experience and experience can't be bought. You build experience. So, this thing of 'We are building, we want new blood' I feel like we still have a long way to go. 

“If you look at the players that are playing in the World Cup right now, they are the same age as me and some are even older than me but they believe in their experience. I believe if you mix new and experienced players it makes a good team. Younger players have energy and experienced players have the experience to build."