Banyana players named on Mail & Guardian influential 200 Young South Africans list

Captain Refiloe Jane, who is currently clubless after leaving Italian side Sassuolo earlier this month, Mexico-based forward Hilda Magaia, TS Galaxy Queens’ midfielder, Nomvula Kgoale as well as Kaylin Swart, goal minder at JVW FC, were all named in the Sports category.

The M&G initiative has been running for nearly a decade and focuses on young persons between the ages of 18 and 35.

“To be eligible for this recognition, nominees should be aged 18 to 35 and be committed to the development of South Africa in 17 categories that include sport, agriculture, financial services, governance, justice, arts and entertainment, health and technology. This flagship project has become synonymous with excellence, celebrating the youth not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as agents of change today,” said the organisers in a statement.

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The four Banyana Banyana players were all part of the squad that made history with South Africa winning the first-ever CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 in Morocco. They defeated the hosts 2-1 in the final.

The quartet continued to rewrite the history books as they helped the team register their first win at a FIFA Women’s World Cup in August last year in Australia and New Zealand, beating Italy 3-2 in the group stages – thereby progressing to the Round of 16 of the tournament, becoming the first South African national team – male or female – to achieve the feat.

This is the second major similar award for Magaia.

The Mazatlán FC Femenil player was earlier this year recognised as one of the most influential youth public figures on the African continent in the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.

Among others, the recognition included South Africans like two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Damien Willemse, Springbok Women player Nadine Roos, and sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi.