Former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk says her departure to Europe is not a goodbye but more like a chapter of growth.
The retired South African defender will be leaving her country of birth early in the new year to start up a new career in Sweden, where she has been appointed assistant coach at Kristianstads DFF in the Swedish Women’s Football League.
This will be her first foray on the bench in Europe after playing for a number of teams abroad – Houston Dash (USA); Glasgow City (Scotland); Fortuna Hjorring (Denmark) and Ergotelis (Greece).
“It’s a significant move, both professionally and personally. I don’t see this as a goodbye, but rather a chapter of growth. I would love to bring back the experience,” said Van Wyk.
She adds that the main aim in the first season at her new job is to learn as much as she can.
“I see it as a learning opportunity. My expectation is to grow as a coach, to adapt, and to challenge myself in a new environment,” she added.
The move comes after a very successful season for JVW – where she was the head coach for the Hollywoodbets Super League side, the elite women’s football league in South Africa.
Under her tutelage, and ably assisted by their former player, Alexar Cassar and goalkeeper coach Bafana Nhlapho, the Blue Diamonds achieved their highest finish in the campaign since gaining promotion in 2021.
They ended second behind reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, and, in the process, amassed their biggest ever number of points – 69.
JVW is the only team to defeat Banyana ba Style in the recently-ended 2025 season.
The Blue Diamonds garnered an impressive 21 wins in 30 matches – with six draws and just three defeats.
With her departure, Van Wyk is still considering who will replace her at the Blue Diamonds, where she is a co-owner with Lauren Duncan.
“Continuity is very important to me, so the next head coach will come from within the current structure,” she said.
While rounding off her affairs in South Africa before she jets off to Europe, Van Wyk spoke to CentreCircle.onlineabout her next adventure.
You are entering unchartered territory in your new assignment – what are your expectations?
I see it as a learning opportunity. My expectation is to grow as a coach, to adapt, and to challenge myself in a new environment. I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone and embrace what comes with that.
How big of a move is this for you personally and what will be your target for the first season?
It’s a significant move, both professionally and personally. My initial target is to integrate well, understand the environment and add value. Success in the first season will be measured by growth, impact and laying a strong foundation.
Can we expect you back coaching in South Africa in the future?
I don’t see this as a goodbye, but rather a chapter of growth. I would love to bring back experience, knowledge and perspective to South African football in the future, whether at club or national team level.
Congratulations on a great season – what a run…
It was truly a special season. The consistency, resilience, high standards and belief shown by the players and staff week in and week out made this run possible. Everyone bought into the process, and that collective commitment is what carried us through difficult moments.
This is JVW’s best finish since promotion – and your first season in charge – what would you attribute the success to?
I would attribute it to a strong culture, planning and preparation. From day one, there was a clear identity in how we wanted to work, train and compete. The players were open to learning, the staff were aligned, and we trusted the process and chased short term results which lead us to a major accomplishment.
Overall impression of this season?
I’m extremely proud. It was definitely an unforgettable season for me, not only in achieving great results but in growing and instilling a confident mentality, professionalism and belief. We laid foundations that will benefit the club long after this season.
Youngster Bonolo Mokoma is second on the top goal scorers’ chart and is in the senior national team – adding already to the JVW players that are part of the national teams already. That must be something you are surely proud about.
Absolutely. What a player. I took a risk to convert her to a striker because I could see the potential in front of goal and she flourished. Bonolo’s rise is a reflection of her work ethic and hunger to improve. Seeing young players step up when handed an opportunity and perform consistently and earn national recognition is exactly what JVW stands for. It’s something the entire club can be proud of and be inspired by.
You are about to leave for Europe – have you finally decided on who will take over at JVW?
We are in the final stages of that process. Continuity is very important to me, so the next head coach will come from within the current structure. There is quality, understanding and leadership in the existing technical team with an added addition in the assistant role that is a former JVW player, i believe the club will be in very capable hands.
By Matlhomola Morake
