Banyana will take on Ghana in the third-place playoff at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The match will mark the prolific striker’s last appearance in national colours. While it’s sure to be an emotional occasion, Seoposenwe says she’s giving it her all and walking away with no regrets.

Jermaine Seoposenwe. Photo: X

“First and foremost, I think that realisation has actually helped me stay calm about everything,” said Seoposenwe, reflecting on her final game.

“I made the decision before the tournament, so I’ve come into it very settled, very at peace. A lot of the players have joked with me about my legacy and all that. It’s quite interesting being in that position. 

“In the past, I wasn’t really that person, but now I am. It’s a responsibility I’ve embraced, and I truly appreciate how the younger players see me and the kind of leader I’ve become to them.

“For me, it’s actually brought a sense of relief. I don’t know if that’s exactly the right word, but also a sense of calm. Knowing it’s all coming to an end feels strange, but I made this decision for my own well-being, and I stand by it.”

Looking ahead to Friday night’s match, Seoposenwe emphasised that while Banyana are no longer in the running to defend their continental title, professionalism must still come first.

“Playing in the third-place match is disappointing, to say the least,” she admitted. “But as professionals, we have to step up and take responsibility for what this game means.

Jermaine Seoposenwe. Photo: X

“At the end of the day, as reigning African champions, we believe going home with a bronze medal would still be a decent consolation. The team is still motivated and we’ve accepted where we are, and we’re going to go out there and give it everything in our final match of the tournament.”

Friday night’s bronze final kicks off at 21:00 in Casablanca.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh