23 August 2018 – “Talk with your feet; Play with your heart” – a motto that Gauteng’s JVW FC live by each and every week.

Senior women’s national team captain, Janine van Wyk’s very own club is not only pushing for Sasol League glory but are underpinned by a desire to develop youth and hone young female talent.

The Banyana Banyana skipper, who plays her club football for American giants Houston Dash, formed the team in 2013 which caters for girls from nine years and up.

The Ekhurhuleni based club have enjoyed a stellar season thus far and currently sit in second spot in the Gauteng stream with 48 points from 18 matches with a handy goal difference of +57. Leading traditional giants, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, who occupy third place, is no mean feat and takes effort, determination, courage and a key focus on development.

MySAFA had an opportunity to chat to head coach Ciara Picco who reiterated the above-mentioned characteristics and traits of the club, while also touching on challenges, goals and ambitions.

“So far things have been really good. We have been positive and hence successful. Our two toughest games against TUT and Downs were lost by a single set-piece goal in each of the fixtures. It was hard to swallow but the girls want to keep pushing, make amends for those matches and produce consistent quality,” said Picco.

Chatting about the team goals for the future, Picco has a grand vision in mind.

“Firstly we want to win the title as we did in 2016. It is important as that will take us to the national league which is coming up and we will then aim to win that as well. Myself, Janine and club director Lauren Duncan envision a league that is one day on the same level as the PSL and not something short-term and going to be phased out,” stated Picco.

Speaking about the club’s development programs, the coach stressed the importance of building for the future.

“We have a development team who look up to the senior team, always watch them in training and attend all games. It provides them with someone to look up to and also acts as motivation. We want to groom these girls to one day play for the main Sasol team and then go on to the national U17, U20 and of course senior Banyana team like Janine,” concluded Picco.

The club have a structured development program which includes a school league and has over 3000 girls participating. There is an emphasis on a balance between sport and education, thus promoting a balanced lifestyle.

The first team is in action this Saturday away to Hallelujah Zebra Force at Odi Prison at 13h00.