Cape Town - She led Banyana Banyana to the Rio Olympics, and has been nominated for the African Women’s Player of the Year. Now Janine van Wyk is ready to conquer the USA.
The Banyana captain expressed her delight on Friday after being signed by the Houston Dash club, which plays in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
Van Wyk will become the fifth South African international to play their club football in the United States, following on from Jermaine Seoposenwe, Robyn Moodaly, Kelso Peskin and Kaylin Swart.
The 29-year-old has seen and done it all in local football, having earned a record 142 caps for Banyana and even started her own club, JVW FC. The robust defender, though, has proven herself at international level and hopes to make a big impact in the American league.
“It’s an opportunity I have been dreaming of and working hard for throughout my career. It has certainly come at the perfect moment. I know I will go there with tons of experience, which gives me the confidence to know I will fit in well with this team,” Van Wyk said in a Safa statement.
“They were in need of a central defender with leadership qualities and I guess I fit the bill, and that’s one of my strengths as a player. I am looking forward to go and represent not only South Africa, but the whole of Africa with pride. It’s time people out there notice how good and talented African footballers really are.
“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my success – coaches, teammates, friends and family for pushing me beyond my limits and believing in the athlete I am. I will go out there and shine for you.”
Van Wyk is set to join Houston in March, and the club coach Randy Waldrum wants to make the most of his new signing’s extensive experience.
“I’m very excited that Janine will join the Dash in 2017. She was recently named as one of the four finalists for the African Footballer of the Year Award – that is the quality she brings to the team,” Waldrum said.
“Janine also brings a wealth of international experience to the club. I felt we had to address our central defending positions this off-season and add more experience and leadership. Janine certainly fills that need.”