Breaking: Banyana Banyana captain leaves Italian club

In a social media post, the Soweto-born midfielder left a very short message – “a journey that was,” accompanied by a series of photos.

READ: Nkosikhona Mhlakwana to shift focus to marathon after the Comrades marathon

Jane joined the Serie A women’s team in 2022 shortly after winning the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. She was previously on the books of giants AC Milan Femenil for three seasons.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the South African played 22 games for Sassuolo but was limited to only seven games last season.

The midfielder took over the Banyana Banyana captain from retired defender Janine van Wyk after the announcement of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.

Jane played only two games at the tournament, against Sweden and Argentina - as she was stretchered off in the 2-all draw against the latter nation. Desiree Ellis’ charges would go on to rewrite the history books with a 3-2 win against Italy – their first win in a FIFA World Cup.

The result saw them qualify for the Round of 16 in a FIFA tournament for the first time ever – becoming the only South African national team to achieve the feat.

The Soweto-born midfielder became a bit-part player for Sassuolo upon her return from the World Cup as she was nursing an injury.

It is still not clear what her next destination is, but she is already back home contemplating her future, with Mexico believed to be among her options.

She will not find it hard to attract suitors, thanks to a well-decorated CV that includes, among others, the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments – 2019 France and 2023 Australia and New Zealand – as well as winning the WAFCON title and several COSAFA Cup competitions. She has also played in Australia.