Kaylyn Jordaan’s dream recently came true when she joined Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana for her first tournament at the 2020 COSAFA Women’s Championship. At nineteen-years old, Jordaan is regarded as one of the most promising players of her generation, currently playing for the Spurs WFC Sasol League team in the Western Cape. The tournament which is taking place in Nelson Mandela Bay will see Banyana Banyana fight to defend their championship title from 3 to 14 November 2020.
Thrilled to be part of the senior national women’s team for the first time, Jordaan said, “My call up was unexpected but I felt really happy, nervous and truly honored to receive such an opportunity. Being in the team is exactly what I expected; it’s very competitive and everyone plays to the best of their ability. The COSAFA Women’s Championship is such a great platform for me to learn as much as I can from other experienced players. I hope to gain deeper context on the game of football and get scouted by overseas clubs.”
Jordaan’s football journey began when she was 11 years old, playing with her twin brother and other boys in her community. Her main inspiration in pursuing football was her twin brother; seeing that they are twins what the brother did, Kaylyn also did. Jordaan continued playing with boys until she received an opportunity to join the Spurs WFC team in 2014.
“Growing up playing soccer was emotionally challenging. I was labelled and called names for being the only female playing in a male-dominated sport. What helped me overcome such stereotypes is that I was true to myself because I knew who I was, I refused to be put down,” she said.
Before joining Banyana Banyana, Kaylyn played for the South African Women’s National U-17 football team (Bantwana). During her time with Bantwana, she received the opportunity to captain the team at the World Cup Qualifiers and compete against top international teams at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay in 2018. She also represented the U-20 team in various international competitions including the Region 5 games which the team won on both occasions.
Since the national lockdown began in March, players have not been able to officially train or play football. “The lockdown has been difficult but I managed to stay fit and mentally strong by training when it was safe to do so. I used every opportunity to train at home even if there was minimal space, somehow I had faith that things will get better in time,” she added.
As a new Banyana Banyana player, Jordaan is also joined by Neliswa Luthuli of the Sunflower Sasol League team as well as Karabo Makhurubetshi, Xiluva Tshabalala, Oratile Dikgosi Mokwena, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Lonathemba Mhlongo and Pride Itebogeng Nthite. When asked what makes her limitless, Jordaan answered, “To me being limitless means being a conqueror and believing that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I believe that it’s important to have a vision and stick to it; stay focused and put in the work. To Sasol, I would like to say thank you for the work you have done in developing women’s football. You have changed people’s perceptions about women in the sport and as a result, we are being recognised and appreciated by many South Africans.”
