JVW and Banyana Banyana midfielder Jessica says while it has always been a dream of hers to play in Europe, she can’t believe it is happening now.
The former South African U17 Women’s National Team captain was announced a few days ago to have clinched a two-year deal with Aland United in the Finland Premier Women’s Football League, also known as the Kansallinen Liiga.
“I’m beyond excited. It’s always been my dream to play in Europe, and I can’t believe it’s happening,” said a beaming Wade from Morocco where she is in camp with Banyana Banyana for a friendly international against the hosts, the Atlas Lionesses.
Her new employers are already raving about her before she joins them early in the new year.
“I am very pleased with the signing of Jessica Wade, an exciting central midfielder who has just had her first and is currently on her second training camp with the South African national team. She has also gained significant experience playing with the South African U20 and U17 national teams. Jessica has two really strong feet and brings excellent passing skills in both long and short play, and not least, she has a really good strike and is an experienced goal scorer with both her left and right foot,” read a statement from Pierre Persson, director at Aland United.
Wade joins a side that has won the Finnish League title on three occasions (2009, 2013, 2020), and has also lifted the Women’s Cup trophy that country thrice – 2020, 2021, 2022.
Playing in Finland will not be her first rodeo outside the borders of South Africa – she was once on the books of Emek Hefer Women’s Football Club in Israel.
And her story is nothing short of inspirational.
The former South African U17 Women’s National Team captain grew up at JVW – an institution known for its great youth development structures. Joining as an 11-year old, Wade would go on to play in the U14 and U16 teams of the club where she excelled in the JVW Schools League while she was studying at Waterstone College, South of Johannesburg.
Her star continued shine and she travelled to Uruguay in 2018 for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup as part of Bantwana, the South African U17 Women’s National Team under the tutelage of former Banyana Banyana captain, Simphiwe Dludlu.
As expected, she graduated into the U20 squad but it would be some time before she was called into the Banyana Banyana team.
She made her senior debut in the clash against Morocco, coming on in the 30th minute, replacing an injured Refiloe Jane.
This is mainly thanks to her exciting performance in 2025 – shortly after she rejoined JVW in 2024.
Under new coach Janine van Wyk – former Banyana Banyana captain and co-owner of the club – Wade has been one of the inspirational players in the side. She has scored crucial goals which have seen her team amass a total of 69 points in 30 games, the first time they have done so since gaining promotion in 2021 from the Sasol League, with the midfielder playing a key role in the play-offs.
The Blue Diamonds are currently second on the Hollywoodbets Super League log standings with 21 wins, six draws and three defeats – their best showing and a huge improvement from the previous seasons.
With the 2025 league campaign done and dusted, the club has all but bid farewell to their midfielder maestro through their social media posts.
Janine van Wyk:
Outgoing JVW Head Coach
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Jess this past year and witnessing firsthand how much she has grown, not only as a footballer, but as a professional. From her early days at JVW to now, her development has been exceptional. She has consistently shown a willingness to learn, adapt, and push herself, and that level of coachability is rare. Her mindset, work ethic, and commitment to improving every aspect of her game have prepared her well for the step into professional football. Jess has earned this opportunity through determination and discipline, and I have no doubt she will thrive in this next chapter. I’m incredibly proud of the player she has become and excited to see her take this deserving step forward in her career.”
JVW:
“Congratulations, Jessica Wade!
We are incredibly proud to congratulate Jessica Wade on her move to Åland United! This is a massive achievement and a true reflection of her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering hunger to grow. At JVW FC, we believe in more than developing great players, we believe in creating pathways to greater opportunities. Jessica’s journey is a shining example of what our program is built to do: nurture talent, elevate ambition, and open doors to the world of football beyond our borders. JVW is not just a club where you can work hard and fulfil your dreams, it’s a platform designed to take you to the highest levels of the game. With our strong partnership between JVW FC and player agent and former Blue Diamond @juliaaamolin , we are confident that Jessica is only one of many players who will continue to step onto the global stage. Together, we’re creating opportunities for more women to experience football around the world, grow their careers, and inspire the next generation.
Jess go shine in Finland!
We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way!
Once a diamond … always a Diamond!”
Wade spoke to CentreCircle.online about her new journey:
How did the move come about?
My agent, Julia Molin, from Total Football Agency arranged the move for me.
How excited are you with the move?
I’m beyond excited. It’s always been my dream to play in Europe, and I can’t believe it’s happening.
Do you know anything about the Finland league, or the club?
Honestly speaking I don’t know a ton but it’s the 19th strongest league in the world and I’m grateful to be using this professional setup to develop and grow as a player and hopefully use it as a springboard to an even stronger league.
How long is the contract?
It’s a two-year deal so until the end of the 2027 season.
You played in Israel before, but how special is this one?
Israel was the first time I’d got to play a full season in another country, and I think I really grew as a person and learnt a lot, but I think that the way this happened, after the season I had, is just really special and rewarding.
You are joining a reputable team with league and cup titles – does that put you under some pressure?
I do think it brings pressure; I think any move to Europe creates a lot of pressure because everyone’s attention is focused your way now. But this kind of pressure is a privilege. This is exactly where I’ve wanted to be and the steps, I’ve wanted to take in my career so I’m ready to accept the pressure that comes with it.
2025 has been great year for you – regular game time and goals for JVW, back in the national team: what do you attribute that to?
There’s so much that I couldn’t put it all into words but coming back from more than a year off with an injury and then having the season we did was amazing. I put in a lot of work and continue to do so but the support I had from my psychologist, friends and family, especially my mom, was what made all the difference. The encouragement from my JVW teammates and Janine helped me to keep pursuing football and not give up. I also had the belief and support of Adidas and Discover Sport who reminded me that I’m capable and that nothing is impossible. So, all in all, it was thanks to the people around me who believed in me, pushed me, and loved me despite the results and my performance.
You mention Janine’s help; how much influence has she had on your career?
I think Janine has played a huge role in my career and this last season she has been a mentor who has guided me, a coach who trusted and believed in me, and a friend who has wanted to help me be my best. I’m so grateful for the time that we’ve spent together in the last year, for the relationship we’ve built, and I wish her all the best at her new club in Sweden. They’ve found someone special and I know she’ll be an amazing addition to their setup.
How would you sum up JVW’s season – finishing second or third is no mean feat!
Nothing short of exceptional. If only people knew what it took for this team to achieve what we did, the sacrifices we made, and the challenges we faced, there would be a greater appreciation for women’s football in South Africa. I’m so proud of everyone single person at JVW because we truly came together and created a family and a culture that I would be proud of sharing anywhere.
Hopes and ambitions at club level as well as national team level?
My goals and ambitions haven’t changed; I’m still competing with myself to be better every single day. Obviously, I want to win trophies with both my club and the national team, but I can only control my attitude and effort, so I’ll give just focus on giving my all, and what happens beyond that is out of my control.
Being with Banyana Banyana in Morocco ahead of the WAFCON next year – how crucial is that for you?
It’s massive, this is the space I’ve always wanted to be in. Being in this environment, with a group of such talented players can only push me to be better. This is also a vital time for everyone to prove why they should be part of the group that has the honour of representing SA at WAFCON and I’m doing everything I can to make the most of this opportunity.
When are you joining your new employers – and do you already have a jersey number?
Haha, I have not confirmed a jersey number as yet, but our preseason starts on the 15th of January. Pending my visa approval, I plan on moving that side as soon as possible so that I can settle and adjust to the new environment.
With Janine and yourself leaving, do you think it is a setback for JVW looking into next season?
I don’t think so, in fact, I think it speaks volumes about the growth of the club and the opportunities it creates for everyone there. I know that Janine will leave the club in very capable hands and continue to invest in the development of the players as well as the technical team and development teams. This is the sad but beautiful part of football because players and coaches leave but it’s so we can better ourselves and I know that the teammates that remain are more than up to the task of competing next season. I wish everyone all the very best.
By Matlhomola Morake
