Banyana Captain Completes UEFA B Licence

Banyana Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk has taken another step in furthering her education for when she hangs up her boots, after completing her UEFA B Licence.

Van Wyk has been a key member of Banyana for 17 years, but is coming to the sunset of her playing areer.

While she was captain of the squad as Desiree Ellis’ team won the WAFCON in July, she only played in one group game, with Refiloe Jane wearing the armband in the other games.

The 36-year-old, who is currently on the books of Greek club Ergotoris, completed her badges with the Scottish FA. She had previously played at Glasgow City in Scotland.

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Van Wyk, the founder of JVW Football Club, who now compete in the Hollywoodbets Super League, will be hoping to be part of Ellis’ squad at next year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be in all likelihood be her last opportunity to play at the world showpiece.

“It’s really important to know as a player what it is that you want to do after playing football,” Van Wyk was quoted as saying on social media.

“For someone like myself who has been in football for so many years, it’s a field I would love to continue in and I know many former footballers who are now sports administrators, sports anchors, presenters or even coaches.

“Football isn’t easy to just give up on and walk away from completely. I have been coaching part-time when I was still in South Africa, both at club and school level, and it is a passion of mine, besides just playing.”