A long road back to the green and gold
For Jessica Wade, the moment her name reappeared on Banyana Banyana’s squad list felt like a fresh breath after a long sprint. The 22 year old midfielder has been included in coach Desiree Ellis’s 38 player preliminary squad for the upcoming alignment camp that will shape preparations for both the COSAFA Women’s Championship and the all important 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Wade called her recall a proud moment and admitted it still feels surreal to be back in the national fold. For any South African player plying their trade abroad, a call up is a reminder that home still sees you, even from thousands of kilometres away.
Read more: Player of the season shockingly left out as Banyana Banyana name 38 player squad
Eyes locked on WAFCON 2026
Although she is aware of the tight timelines created by the international break only beginning on 24 February, Wade isn’t shy about her ambitions. She wants to make the final WAFCON squad and play her part in South Africa’s push for continental glory.
She said that while featuring in both COSAFA and WAFCON would be a dream, the schedule will dictate how much she can realistically take on. For now, her focus is simple. Keep working. Keep earning trust. Keep improving.
Read more: Lebogang Ramalepe says Banyana’s WAFCON opener must set the tone
A standout season that put her back on the radar
Wade’s return to the national conversation didn’t happen by chance. She carved out an exceptional domestic campaign with JVW FC, helping the club return to the top three of the Hollywoodbets Super League for the first time since 2023.
JVW’s runners-up finish last season was one of the stories of the campaign and Wade’s influence in midfield was impossible to ignore. She has often said her teammates and coaches at JVW pushed her to raise her ceiling and their belief played a role in her resurgence.
New country, new challenges, new growth
Life looks a little different now. Wade is based in Finland with Aland United, a move that came with the usual challenges that South African players face when heading abroad. New language. New culture. New expectations. New pressure.
But she says the shift has stretched her in the right ways. Settling into Europe’s demanding football environment has helped sharpen her game and her mentality, and she now feels more prepared than ever to step back into Banyana colours with confidence.
A player on the rise at the right time
With WAFCON now less than a year away, South Africa needs depth, form and hunger. Wade ticks all three boxes.
Her journey back into the squad has been shaped by patience, hard work and the kind of resilience that South Africa’s women’s football continues to be built on. And while she knows the final decision rests with the coaching staff, her intention is clear.
She wants to earn that spot. She wants to fight for the jersey. She wants to help Banyana Banyana bring the title home again.
If her recent rise is anything to go by, she is right on track.
Read more: Banyana handed a promising path at Wafcon 2026
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