Banyana captain may consider club future
Defender Van Wyk could quit her US-based team to help SA qualify for Afcon
Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk has hinted that she might have to quit her US-based club Houston Dash if it means their schedule clashes with that of the national team next year.
Van Wyk missed out on the Cosafa Women’s Championship in Zimbabwe last month, which Banyana won.
Going into SA’s maiden clash with Burkina Faso at Dobsonville Stadium in an international friendly on Sunday (3pm), the defender has promised to consider her club future in order to accommodate Banyana.
“I have another year [left ] in my contract but there are a lot of things I have to think about. Banyana will have such a busy year next year, qualifying for Afcon,’’ said van Wyk.
“I want to be part of this team if the coach allows me. I do not just want to play overseas and only come to play big games. I have always put my country first. After the game on Sunday I will decide on what I want to do next year.”
The 30-year-old defender said she was not expecting any favours from her coaches just because she’s the national team captain.
During her first six months in the US, Van Wyk played 17 of her team’s 24 matches.
“I am hopeful that people will see the difference in my play on Sunday. I have gained some experience in America and grown as a player,’’ said the Albertonborn player.