Banyana ace Refiloe not feeling left behind
Teammates off to US but ‘Fifi’ unfazed
Those who follow women’s football with keen interest would agree that it’s unfortunate that Banyana Banyana vice-captain Refiloe “Fifi” Jane is still plying her trade locally.
This especially when a number of her peers recently earned contracts overseas, with the latest being Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo, who have joined US side Houston Dash.
Jane plays for Vaal University of Technology and has been the pillar of the Banyana team since 2012 where she represented SA at the Olympics in London.
At 25, the star midfielder has been capped 25 times for the senior national side.
Nevertheless, all her impressive displays over the years are yet to be recognised by overseas clubs.
Jane says she’s positive her hard work will eventually pay off.
“God is the one who plans everything for me. Yes, it’s my dream to secure an overseas move but I will not force it,” Refiloe said at the launch of Limitless Initiative in Sandton this week.
“I have no pressure because my focus is on making sure that I touch as many lives as I can.
“Seeing players like Thembi and Linda doing well is a motivation. With them already impressing, US teams will see that there’s talent in SA.”
The Kliptown, Soweto-born midfielder is juggling football and her studies towards a master’s degree in sports marketing at the Tshwane University of Technology.
“I believe that education is not only about being trained for a job but also about enriching yourself in terms of the way you think,” noted Jane.
Banyana will face Lesotho in the second round of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers in Maseru on Wednesday.
The return leg is set for June 10 at a venue yet to be confirmed.