By Michael Madyira
Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane has returned for the crucial 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against Nigeria.
South Africa are two games away from booking a ticket for the Olympics to be staged in France.
They travel to Nigeria for the 1 April first leg, before hosting the West Africans nine days later.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her 30-member preliminary squad for this final qualifier and a major highlight is the return of Jane from a long-term injury.
The Banyana skipper last played for the national team in July 2023 at the Fifa Women’s World Cup before suffering the injury.
After initially returning to action in November 2023 for her Serie A Women’s club Sassuolo, Jane was injured again.
It is a timely return for the 31-year-old as Ellis needs all her players to face Nigeria, Africa’s number one-ranked team.
However, Jane is yet to feature for Sassuolo this year and there might be concerns about how she will cope with the rigorous contest expected against the Super Falcons.
Also back for Banyana is defender Bambanani Mbane, who was injured at the World Cup.
Forward Wendy Shongwe and midfielder Kholosa Biyana have been ruled out of the Nigeria matches due to injuries.
Banyana booked a date with Nigeria after eliminating DR Congo and Tanzania in earlier qualification rounds.
The Super Falcons got past Ethiopia and neighbours Cameroon to reach this final phase of the qualifiers.
Ellis’ team is expected to regroup for camp on 25 March.
Pictured above: Refiloe Jane leads Banyana Banyana players in celebrations.
Image source: Banyana Banyana
