Bigger fish to fry for Janine

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

To qualify for the World Cup with Banyana Banyana was the catalyst for captain Janine van Wyk (above), deciding not to renew her contract with US side Houston Dash.

Having spent two years playing in the US National Women’s League, the skipper feels she fulfilled her goal of playing overseas, but what is important to her at the moment is to ensure Banyana do well in the upcoming 2019 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana and to qualify for the World Cup.

“I decided not to renew my contract because it is a big year for Banyana and I feel I need to be with the team as a leader and one of the long-serving players in the team preparing for anything that is happening,” Van Wyk revealed.

“I feel we stand a very good chance of qualifying for the World Cup and if we do, then it will even be a busier year for Banyana and I don’t want to miss out on preparations. I feel I have really lived my dream of playing abroad for two years.

“For me, as captain and a leader, I have set myself a new target which is to play in the World Cup and I need to be with my country and be able to give my best at such a major competition.”

The 31-year old is confident that the team will do well at the AWC in Ghana with the competition starting on November 17.

Banyana are paired with Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia in Group B.

The Banyana squad to travel to Ghana will be announced on November 7 before departing for the tournament two days later.