Banyana Banyana defender Janine van Wyk is back in the Hollywoodbets Super League!
She has re-signed with JVW and could be seen in action this weekend when they face Ma-Indies in Giyani, Limpopo, in their first match following the month-long 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup break.
Van Wyk has returned to South Africa after she parted ways with Greek side Ergotelis WFC, where she spent the 2022/23 season with them.
Her comeback was announced by JVW on their socials.
“The final comeback! After competing in Greece for the 2022 season, Janine Van Wyk returns to her home roots. She joins the showroom of Blue Diamonds, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the team,” said the tweet.
The experienced defender was instrumental in the promotion of the Blue Diamonds to the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2019.
She re-joins the side currently fifth on the table after 18 rounds of fixtures played. They won 11 games, drew four and lost three – leaving them on 37 points, level with TS Galaxy Queens and Royal AM, who are third and fourth respectively.
The three teams are 10 points behind log leaders and reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Van Wyk was once on the books of Houston Dash (USA), Fortuna Hjorring (Denmark) and Glasgow City (Scotland).
On the national team front, she has made 183 appearances for her country – and needs just two matches to become the most capped player – male or female – on the continent.
She also holds a UEFA B Coaching Licence obtained in Scotland last year.
During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Van Wyk was a pundit on SABC Sport. She was not selected for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad for the tournament due to injury.
By Matlhomola Morake
