Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk has bid farewell to her teammates at Ergotelis Women in Greece, as she makes her way back home to South Africa – this after the former JVW player opted not to be on the books of the European outfit next campaign.
She joined the side in September last year, completed a full season, and came close to winning the league.
Ergotelis Women won their stream but could not do enough in the play-offs, finishing in second place to champions PAOK.
Janine and company played their last match of the season against Trikala 2011 (20 May 2023), losing 4-1.
But prior to that, they were at their best, defeating the champions 2-0 with the co-captain of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana scoring in that match.
She was named the MVP in that same game.
The second place finish saw them missing out on Champions League football next season. She played 90 minutes in all the matches, bar one, due to a niggling injury.
In an emotional farewell message to the club she wrote on Facebook:
“And so my journey here in Greece has unfortunately come to an end. The experience has been quite of a rollercoaster ride with many lessons learned along the way, however, the breath-taking scenery, comforting foods and amazing friendships made up for all the challenging moments. I’d like to thank my teammates who welcomed me with open arms and gave me an opportunity to showcase the best version of myself on and off the pitch. I am proud and grateful for the time spent with everyone. I will cherish all the good but also the most difficult moments we have shared together.
Till we meet again.”
She also took time to congratulate compatriot, Linda Motlhalo (former JVW player and currently playing for Glasgow City in Scotland) on being crowned the 2022/23 Scottish Women’s Premier League champion this past weekend (Sunday, 21 May 2023).
Van Wyk has played for Houston Dash (USA), Fortuna Hjorring (Denmark) and Glasgow City (Scotland) – winning the league title with the latter team in 2021.
The 36-year old defender recently obtained her UEFA B Coaching Licence, giving an indication of what the future holds for her when she hangs up her boots.
CentreCircle.online spoke to Janine as she was getting ready to return home.
Congratulations on the goal you scored against PAOK..
Thank you so much, it felt good to score against the best team in the League that has not lost a single league match in seven years.
Despite missing out on the league title and subsequently Champions League football, how would you sum up your season personally?
It’s been a tough environment to be in as the club, and football in general, is not at the standard and level compared to other European leagues and teams. It was difficult for me to adapt and be patient with the unexpected circumstances I was exposed to, however many lessons were learned.
And what about the club as a whole?
I feel the season was a successful one for the club and team. They brought in a few International players to strengthen and improve the squad which has definitely been achieved despite the fact that we haven’t won the title. It’s the best season this club has had in a long while. So I am happy I could contribute to the growth of the club status
How many games did you play?
I played all games for 90 minutes except one that I was out due to a niggling injury.
You decided against playing in Greece next season…
I won’t be staying in Greece unfortunately and my next move is returning back home even though I have had an offer to join another club in Europe but unfortunately I have plans on which direction I’d like to go next.
Coming back home, are we seeing you in the colours of JVW in the Hollywoodbets Super League?
That’s part of the plan, to come back and register, and to play the next stage of the season after the World Cup. It’s something I am looking forward to.
(Ed: After 14 matches played, JVW is sitting on position five with 27 points after eight wins, three losses and the same number of draws. They are 10 points behind the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.)
Janine van Wyk Facts:
- 36 years of age
- Made her Banyana Banyana debut in 2005 vs Nigeria, and scored – first victory for RSA over the West Africans
- Second most-capped footballer in Africa – male or female
- Played in several Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
- Featured in two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016)
- First Banyana Banyana captain at a FIFA Women’s World Cup
- Played in the USA, Denmark, Scotland and recently in Greece
By Matlhomola Morake
