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Wade’s Painful WAFCON Absence Sparks Fierce Comeback Mission

Aland United and Banyana Banyana star midfielder Jessica Wade is eager to put her injury disappointment behind her and return to the field stronger than ever.

Jessica Wade

The Johannesburg-born star missed the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 (WAFCON) after going under the knife to operate on her niggling Achilles tendon. The 23-year-old former JVW Girls Football Club midfield anchor briefs this publication that her rehabilitation process demanded a lot from her, both physically and emotionally, as she gears up to return to competitive football. 


The former Bantwana skipper reflects on her rehabilitation process, saying: "The rehabilitation process has definitely been one of the most challenging periods of my career, both physically and mentally. It has required a lot of patience because there have been a lot of setbacks, but I’ve also learnt a lot about my body and about myself throughout the process. 

Physically, I’m continuing to work towards getting back to my best, and psychologically I know I’ll come out of this stronger and more resilient. I’m just taking it one step at a time and focusing on what I can control."

Football can change instantly. One moment you are preparing for a prestigious tournament, and the next you are watching from the sidelines due to an injury. That was a harsh reality for Wade as she missed the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that was staged in Morocco this year. Wade exclusively opened up to this publication that missing out on the WAFCON afforded her with time to reflect on how deeply she loves the game and missing the softness of the grass under her studs. 

"Missing WAFCON left me absolutely devastated and heartbroken. It was incredibly difficult to watch from the sidelines, but the experience has also reminded me just how much I love and miss the game. Being away from football has made me realise even more how much I want to be back on the pitch, competing and doing what I love. I’m going to give everything I have to get back to playing, and hopefully, if that opportunity comes again, I’ll be ready to help Banyana." Said Wade.

South Africa is exporting more athletes abroad, with Hilda Magaia the latest player to sign a big contract after joining Al-Ittihad in the Gulf region. Wade is happy for her Banyana Banyana teammates and says the national team will be the biggest beneficiary of this. “I definitely think having more South African players playing abroad can strengthen Banyana Banyana. Being exposed to different leagues, coaches, environments and standards of football gives players an opportunity to develop and grow." Wade told Basadi In Action. 

Wade adds that women's football needs more than just financial backing, "But I also believe we need to invest more into the football we already have at home. That investment isn’t only about putting more money into clubs. It’s about protecting and properly supporting the players within the system. If we can create a stronger, safer and more professional domestic environment while continuing to give our players opportunities abroad, I think that gives us the best chance of developing a stronger national team." She concluded.


Writer: Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

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