South Africa legend Janine van Wyk reacts after joining Swedish club

Former South Africa’s senior women’s football team captain Janine van Wyk has shared her feelings after securing a coaching job with a Swedish team.

The former Banyana Banyana defender has joined Kristianstads DFF as an assistant coach, a big jump in her young coaching career.

The Swedish team unveiled the UEFA B-Licence holder on Friday. She described her return to Europe, where she played for a number of clubs, as a step forward in her coaching career.

What Janine van Wyk told Kristianstads DFF

“I’m truly honored and excited to be joining KDFF as assistant coach. Coming from South Africa, this is a special new chapter in my coaching journey to grow in a top league and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a fantastic and respected club. I look forward to working hard alongside the staff and players to achieve great things together” she told the club’s website.

Van Wyk is a legend of women’s football in South Africa. She called it time on her successful career for club and country in 2023.

The 39-year-old bowed out from Banyana Banyana colours after making a record 185 appearances for the South African women’s national team.

The blonde-haired retired player achieved a lot in her career most notably steering South Africa to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

She owns a club JWC FC which she also coaches in Johannesburg.