Long-serving Banyana Banyana defender, Janine van Wyk, has sent a heart-felt message of good luck to her compatriots who are currently in Wellington, New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After wearing the captain’s armband at South Africa’s maiden World Cup in France in 2019, Van Wyk will be missing at this year’s global women’s football showpiece due to an injury.
She was not named in the preliminary squad of 36 players.
“I have sustained an injury that I personally feel would impact my chances of performing at the highest level that is required to make the World Cup squad. I have to turn down the call-up with a heavy heart, but also knowing that I am doing what is best for the team,” she said at the time.
“Definitely a hard pill to swallow after making an extremely tough decision to withdraw from the preliminary squad. As a long serving member and leader of the national team, it’s important to have the best and strongest squad representing the country at the World Cup.”
With the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana going into battle against Sweden in their first match of the tournament on Sunday, 23 July – the one-year anniversary of the day they lifted the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy – Van Wyk has wished the squad well.
“Hey team, my fellow teammates, and friends and players that I’ve played with for many years, I miss you all incredibly much. I wish I was there with you in New Zealand and to participate in this massive event, but I’m here supporting you all the way. I’m 100% behind you as I’ve always been. I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all well for this upcoming event, it is a massive one. You guys have worked extremely hard to put yourselves into the squad and now it’s time to fly the South African flag high as Banyana Banyana, as South Africa, and also as the African champions that you and we are. All the best, we will be supporting you all the way and we know that you have that fighting spirit among yourselves to get out of those group stages. That is what we are aiming for, that is what we trust that you can do, so trust and believe in that, that we are behind you, and we know that you can do it. Go for it girls, good luck,” she said in a video message.
After tackling Sweden, the African Champions have a date with Argentina on 28 July and will face Italy on 2 August to conclude the group stages.
During the tournament, the well-travelled player will be gracing the SABC screens as one of the analysts – using her experience as both a player and a coach.
At the conclusion of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Van Wyk, who cut ties with Greek side Ergotelis WFC at the end of April, will rejoin JVW in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the remainder of the South African elite women’s football season.
The defender made her national team debut in 2005 and went on to make 183 appearances for her country – two caps shy of breaking the African record of being the most capped player – male or female.
She has represented her country at two Olympic Game – London 2012 and Rio 2016 and was also part of the squad when they lifted the continental title in Morocco last year.
BANYANA BANYANA 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Fikile Magama, Noko Matlou
Midfielders: Kholosa Biyana, Refiloe Jane (c), Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly
Forwards: Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noxolo Cesane, Melinda Kgadiete, Wendy Shongwe, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana
By Matlhomola Morake
