Van Wyk and Banyana itching for battle

AFTER BEING named the Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk revealed that she was ecstatic with the award and getting recognition.

The Banyana captain was, however, unable to attend the event as she is busy in camp with the rest of the squad in preparation for the upcoming encounter against Equatorial Guinea in their second leg, final round qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics at Estadio de Bata on Sunday.

“I am absolutely lost for words being named the Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year. I can’t describe the feeling of emotion when I heard my name being called out!

“It brought so much joy to my heart, knowing I have been recognised by, firstly the MEC of Gauteng and the public, for all the hard work, efforts and sacrifices I have made throughout my career,” Van Wyk said from the Banyana Banyana camp.

The skipper was crowned the Safa Player of the Year in 2010 and she is also in line of getting another accolade this year after being nominated in the ANN7 Sportsperson of the Year award.

But the defender says the focus is now on the weekend’s game.

“Sunday is a really massive day for me and the team.

“We did well by holding them to a goalless draw at home. What remains is to go out there and finish off the job. We are under no illusion that it won’t be a walk in the park but we are up for the battle. We have been working really hard in camp for the past few days and we can’t wait to get to Bata and realise our dream of qualifying for our second Olympic Games. I really hope this award will inspire all of us to work twice as hard to achieve our objective,” said Van Wyk.