Former Banyana Banyana defender and captain Janine van Wyk has arrived at her new home in Sweden and hit the ground running. Shortly after landing, she attended her first training session with new employers, Kristianstads DFF in the Damallsvenskan – the Premier Women’s Football League in Sweden.
She was greeted by freezing conditions at the pre-season gathering.
“I am not smiling, Just couldn’t feel my lips,” she joked on a social media post.
Van Wyk has joined the club as an assistant coach – her first stint on the bench in Europe. It is hoped that she and the new head coach Nic Chamberlain will steer the team to greater heights, and perhaps land the Swedish outfit their first league title.
Last season they finished sixth on 41 points – 23 behind 2025 champions Hacken. Kristianstads DFF won 12 games league games out of 26 – drawing five and losing nine.
Their first official match of 2026 will be a Cup game away to Trelleborgs on Saturday, 24 January.
“Training and coaching in the snow was fun. It was my first time running around on a snowy field. The current temperatures vary between minus 1 and minus 8, I managed to also step in and play a little so that was fun and different experience. Some players even mentioning a come back from retirement,” said an excited Van Wyk from Sweden.
Meanwhile back home in South Africa, JVW has announced that 2025 assistant coach, Alexia Cassar as well as Bafana Nhlapho, the goalkeeper coach, have been tasked with occupying the vacant seat left open by the departure of Janine. The duo will be in charge for the upcoming league season.
“The JVW FC Blue Diamonds first team has been officially restructured for the 2026 season, ensuring continuity, stability, and sustained competitive ambition for the club. Legendary captain-turned-coach Janine van Wyk has relocated to Sweden to pursue a professional coaching career with Kristianstads DFF, bringing international recognition to her expertise. Her leadership and strategic guidance were crucial during the 2025 season, leaving a lasting legacy at JVW FC,” said the club in a statement.
“To maintain continuity, Alexia Cassar and Bafana Nhlapo will lead the first team. Both coaches served as Janine van Wyk’s trusted assistants during the 2025 season and helped the team achieve a historic second-place finish. Throughout the 2026 season, the coaching duo will emphasize discipline, commitment, whilst sustaining the club culture.”
The club has named former Blue Diamonds midfielder Jabulile Mazibuko as the assistant coach.
JVW has bid farewell to five players, who are leaving for different reasons.
Talia Swartbooi and Nokwazi Mnomiya:
- Pursuing off-field opportunities. The former remains in the club as a manager of the JVW Diamond League programs, while the latter is being prepared for an administrative role
Jessica Wade:
- Moving to Finland on a two-year deal at Aland United
Micaela Nunes and Tanna Hollis:
- Relocating abroad for new opportunities
The club is yet to announce their start of pre-season training for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League campaign, but has indicated that they will be bringing new playing personnel on board.
“As pre-season commences, the coaching staff will integrate development players into first-team training sessions to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026 season. The team will maintain the same discipline, commitment, and club culture that drove success in 2025, finalizing the squad shortly before the league begins,” added the statement.
Last season JVW enjoyed their best ever spell in the league, finishing as runners up to champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
In addition they had a huge presence in the South African national teams – Basetsana (U20) and Banyana Banyana – with the likes of Casey Gordon, Bonolo Mokoma, Kaylin Swart, Gabby Salgado, Regina Mogolola and Jessica Wade featuring prominently.
By Matlhomola Morake
