Banyana’s Jane in love with football, partner
Football has opened doors for Banyana Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane (right), who says having a strong supporting structure has enabled her to get where she is today.
Growing up, Jane was lucky to have the backing of her family and the people around her to pursue a career in football. Born in the Western Cape, but later moving to Kliptown in Soweto, she grew up with her two brothers who influenced her passion for the game. She says her life has changed tremendously because of her love of the game, which began in the streets of Soweto.
Since she started playing football, she has been able to further her studies at the Vaal University of Technology, before moving to the Tshwane University of Technology, where she was also playing for the institution’s women’s team, competing in the Sasol League.
“I think for every female player, one needs support from their loved ones to play football. Remember it is different from us than it is with the guys. Our families fear we won’t have successful careers because opportunities for us are limited,” said Jane.
“But once you get the support, you continue doing what you love and in the end, it will pay off. I have been able to balance (reading) books and football over the years and it has worked quite well for me.”
But football is not the only thing that Jane has fallen in love with – she met her partner Chrissie Lola on the football field while she was playing for Mamelodi Sundowns ladies.
The pair are currently engaged and there will soon be wedding bells. Jane says the former Downs ladies goalkeeper has been one of the people who has always believed in her and pushes her to always be the best.
However, Jane will soon leave her partner alone, having recently joined Australian club Canberra United. The midfielder says it is going to be difficult without having Chrissie by her side, but she will ensure she gets to visit from time to time.
“I am very excited about the move and like I said, football has opened a lot of doors for me. This is a new step for me and I am looking forward to the new journey. I have to make sure I use it to my best advantage,” she added.
“Moving to a new environment is pretty difficult, but I will have to adjust. I can’t deny the fact I will miss my family and friends, and most importantly, fiancée. We recently got engaged and she has been there for me through and through. Like I said, female players need support from their loved ones. Whenever I am down, she picks me up and I am glad to have her in my life. I will make sure she visits whenever she gets a chance.”
Jane has won many individual accolades – her most recent one was the female Sportswoman-ofthe-Year at the Gauteng Sports Awards. She believes for a person like her, who comes from a disadvantaged background, she will be an inspiration to many young girls who want to pursue a career in football.
The midfielder is currently in Port Elizabeth where Banyana are competing in the Cosafa Cup and she will depart for Australia after the competition to begin a new life at her new club.