Banyana Banyana veteran Mpumi Nyandeni eager to play in her 150th cap

The 36-year-old athlete has officially disclosed to SABC Sport that she engaged in discussions with head coach Desiree Ellis regarding the prospect of participating in a special match to reach this significant milestone.

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During the Hollywoodbets Super League send-off event at OR Tambo, where players Boitumelo Rabale (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond), Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM), and Nyandeni embarked on a unique opportunity to play and train in Spain with Villarreal CF in La Liga, she expressed optimism that her dream might materialize this year.

“My greatest desire is to earn that one cap and then gracefully retire,” Nyandeni conveyed to SABC Sport.

“I extend my best wishes to Banyana for the upcoming Olympic events, and I would be delighted to witness their qualification for the quarterfinals in Paris. Additionally, I hope they successfully defend the African Women’s Nations Cup title later this year. In November of last year, Coach Desiree phoned me and assured me that she would arrange a friendly game to bestow upon me that special cap. This is why I am putting in the hard work in training, ensuring that I am in peak condition when the moment arrives. I aim to rejuvenate and feel youthful, and my journey to Spain is integral to enhancing my fitness level,” Nyandeni Shared.

Nyandeni expressed that the chance to visit a nation boasting a professional football league like Spain is a rare occurrence. Her earnest desire is for the younger players accompanying her on this journey to seize the opportunity to showcase their skills and, ideally, capture the attention of scouts present in the region.  

“I am thrilled that we are embarking on a journey to Spain to train with Villarreal, it presents another opportunity for me to acquire new knowledge,’’ exclaimed Nyandeni.

She continued, “Being in Spain, where there is a professional league, will provide us with valuable insights. My biggest wish is that they may consider selecting one of the three young players accompanying us. South Africa boasts talented players, and I’ve had the privilege of playing in Russia. Now, being older, I feel I’ve had my fair share,” Nyandeni expressed.